Mountain laurel flower is a plant that produces beautiful flowers. The plant is native to the mountains of North America and can be found in the wild in many parts of the world. The plant is also cultivated in gardens and can be found in many different colors. The mountain laurel flower is a symbol of strength and beauty and is often used in bouquets and other arrangements.
Related plant:
Mountain Laurel Bush
Related plant:
Mountain Ash
About soil condition, mountain laurel flower (Kalmia latifolia) prefers acidic, organic soils with high moisture content and good drainage. They are intolerant of chalk and lime. If the soil is too rich, the plants will be lanky and produce fewer flowers.
Not too different with other flowers, mountain laurel flowers require sun to grow properly. The amount of sun required depends on the variety of mountain laurel, but all need at least some sun to produce flowers. Too little sun results in fewer, smaller flowers.
The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of mountain laurel flowers is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This range of temperatures is optimal for the plant to produce blooms. Anything above or below this range can result in the plant taking longer to flower or produce fewer blooms. Mountain laurels are also sensitive to frost, so it is important to protect them from any cold weather that might be forecasted.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%-70%. The leaves of mountain laurel will start to brown and curl if the humidity drops below 50% for an extended period of time. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will become covered with mold and mildew.
For the fertilizer, usually the plant does not need too much. However, if the plant is not looking too good, then you might want to give it some extra nutrients. You can use any type of fertilizer that is made for acid-loving plants. As for the roots, they are very strong and can anchor the plant very well.
Pruning mountain laurel is important to promote healthy growth and prevent the plant from becoming overgrown. Laurel flowers best when it is pruned regularly. The best time to prune mountain laurel is in late winter or early spring, before the plant begins to bloom.
Propagation is usually by seed, which is sown in spring in a cold frame, though it can also be done by division of mature plants in spring or autumn. Seedlings take three to four years to flower. Plants grown from seed form a bushy shrub.
Usually, the plant growth rate is quite fast. This shrub can reach its full potential size in as little as three years. Although it is possible for some mountain laurels to grow even faster, the average growth rate is still quite impressive.
Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering and under watering. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot. If the soil is too dry, the plant will wilt. Too much sun will scorch the leaves, and too little sun will cause the plant to become etiolated.
Source:
Mountain Laurel | Smithsonian American Art Museum
ENH-755/ST597: Sophora secundiflora: Texas Mountain Laurel
What Can Mountain Laurel Tell Us About Forest Soil Carbon?
