![]() Otherwise most pruning should be to done to keep a desired shape. If the branches start growing against the siding of your house, you should prune them back. Pruning of Mountain Laurel may be required, or desired. However, if growing in full sun – you will likely have to add supplemental water. Mountain Laurel will do great if grown in full or partial shade, with adequate water available, and it good well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The best option would be to heavily amend the soil with Peat Moss. If you find that you need to lower the pH of your soil and make it more acidic, there are several options. ![]() But on our recommended products page we have a soil tester that generally costs around $10. To determine the pH of your soil, an inexpensive soil tester will work, or taking a coffee can full of soil to your local ag extension office where they often test it for free. Soil that is sandy, rich in hummus, or very loose will be a good candidate for acidifying. Like most evergreen plants Mountain Laurel likes to have slightly acidic soil. I would not attempt to grow Mountain Laurel in clay soil, as it is very difficult to lower the pH, and generally doesn’t drain well. It likes to have medium moisture available, and well drained soil. Mountain Laurel will grow in either full sun or full shade, and everything in between. The main point is that if you want to grow Mountain Laurel at your home, it is best to recreate its natural habitat. Since it is an evergreen, it is quite easy to locate specimens just driving through the mountains during winter time. Mountain Laurel generally grows in established forests, so very loose and hummus-rich soil. You can find wild Mountain Laurel growing in the Appalachian Mountains, riparian habitats, in the Piedmont, and near forests. It is possible to amend clay soil to become acidic, but it takes a lot of effort. If you have clay soil, you may consider other types of evergreen shrubs that are more adaptable. It needs to have good drainage and slightly acidic soil to thrive. Mountain Laurel is a lovely plant, but it won’t grow everywhere. So, the annual growth rate of Mountain Laurel is low at less than 1′ per year. Mountain Laurel will typically grow approximately 5″ in height, and about 3″ in crown diameter, per year. Understory tree, border/privacy, single specimen focal point Soil rich in organic matter and humus, acidicĬan be pruned to shape, pull unwanted seedlings Mountain Laurel Quick Reference Table – Grow and Care Common Name Honey made from Mountain Laurels will also be toxic – so avoid this plant if you are a beekeeper!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |