Kalmia
latifolia, commonly called mountain laurel, is a gnarled, multi-stemmed,
broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to Eastern North America
(New England south to the southern Indiana, Louisiana and the Florida
panhandle) where it is found in a variety of habitats including open rocky or
sandy woods, cool meadows, mountain slopes and woodland margins. It is noted
for its excellent spring flowers and quality year round foliage. It typically
grows as a dense rounded shrub to 5-15’ tall, opening up and developing gnarly
branches with age. Notwithstanding its usual shrub habit, mountain laurel will
rarely grow as a small tree (particularly on slopes in the Appalachian
Mountains) to as much as 30’ tall. Flowers appear in clusters (corymbs to 6”
across), typically covering the shrub in late May-June for several weeks with
an often exceptional bloom. Each flower (to 1” across) is cup shaped with five
sides and ranges in color from rose to white with purple markings inside. Flowers
give way to non-showy brown fruits (3/16” dehiscent capsules) that persist into
winter. Elliptic, alternate, leathery, glossy evergreen leaves (to 5” long) are
dark green above and yellow green beneath and reminiscent to the leaves of
rhododendrons. All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested. Kalmia
latifolia is the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Superior
flowering shrub for groups or massing in shrub borders, cottage gardens,
woodland areas or wild/naturalized areas. Hedge. Foundations. Compliments
rhododendrons and azaleas. Best grown in cool, moist, rich, acidic, humusy,
well-drained soils in part shade. Mulch to retain moisture and keep root zones
cool. Plants tolerate a wide range of light conditions (full sun to full
shade), but are best in part shade. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Growing
Instructions for the Mountain Laurel
The seeds have
a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for
spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions
and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in water
for 24 hours. 2. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 3. Put the bag in the
refrigerator and leave it there for 2 months. 4. The seeds like moist,
well-drained soil. Put some potting soil in a container. 5. Sow the seeds on
the surface of the soil. The seeds need light to germinate. 6. Water the soil
so that it is moist but not wet. The seeds may take2-4 weeks to germinate. 7.
When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.
Michael (verified owner) –
They arrived very fresh and not bruised. They were delicious.
Nolan (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days
Julian (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate
Mason (verified owner) –
Great seeds, I now have squash everywhere from this one pack of seeds
Charles (verified owner) –
So far so good!