Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia ‘Olympic Fire’
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:Â 4a-9b (West) | 4a-8b (East)Â Find Your ZoneÂ
Plant Type:Â Evergreen Flowering Shrub
Height at Maturity:Â 4-5′
Width at Maturity:Â 4-5′
Spacing:Â 3.5-4′ for solid hedges; 7’+ for space between plants
Growth Rate:Â Â Slow
Growth Rate:Â Â Slow
Flower Color:Â Â Ruby-Red buds open to Pink flowers
Flower Size:Â 2″
Flowering Period:Â Mid to Late Spring
Flower Type:Â Single, cup-shaped, in large clusters
Fragrant Flowers:Â No
Foliage Color:Â Dark Green
Fragrant Foliage:Â No
Berries:Â No
Berry Color:Â NA
Sun Needs:Â Part Shade to Shade, All-Day Filtered Sun, Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade; avoid direct afternoon sun in hot climates
Water Needs:Â Average
Soil Type:Â Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand, Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage:Â Moist But Well Drained
Soil pH:Â 5.0 – 6.0 (Acid)
Maintenance / Care:Â Low
Attracts:Â Butterflies, Visual Attention
Resistances:Â Heat, Humidity, Insect, Shade
Description
A wonderful North American Native evergreen flowering shrub, the ‘Olympic Fire’ Mountain Laurel is a dwarf selection to maybe 4 to 5 feet tall and wide making it a perfect fit for smaller garden spaces. In mid to late spring abundant clusters of very unique, ruby-red ridged buds are as equally as attractive as the pink cup-shaped flowers they open to. Excellent in garden beds or pots. May tolerate full sun in cooler climates of USDA Zone 7 and further north but will appreciate some filtered sun or shade in zones south of 7. That said, we think mountain laurels just look better and are more at home in a partially shaded natural environment. This is one of those plants that will have you always looking forward to spring!
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, the ‘Olympic Fire’ Mountain Laurel is ideal for use as an accent in smaller garden spaces or centerpiece in pots, or in groupings or as a natural hedge in larger spaces. Plant this one near outdoor living spaces and paths where the flowers can be enjoyed from close up. Very nice near garden ponds, streams and other bodies of water. A fine addition to woodland gardens and native plant gardens.
Spacing:Â 3.5 to 4 feet apart for solid hedges; Â 7′ or more for space between plants
Growing Preferences
Mountain Laurels are easy to grow in a moist but well-drained acidic soil of average fertility and part shade. They don’t like a constantly wet or dry soil. Provide supplemental water during periods of summer drought to maintain a moist soil, but not waterlogged. Though they will tolerate full sun in cooler climates of Zone 7and further north, they will appreciate shade or filtered sun during the afternoon hours. Except to remove a damaged branch they don’t require pruning. Avoid the use of harsh commercial fertilizers as they can cause the leaves to burn. Feed with an organic plant food or organic compost.Â
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Helpful Articles
Mountain Laurels are in the Rhododendron family so plant them as you would a Rhododendron.
How To Plant A Rhododendron
How To Fertilize & Water A Rhododendron
How To Prune A Rhododendron
Plant Long & Prosper!
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Questions? Contact UsÂ
I haven’t seen the blooms yet, but the three plants I received were big, healthy, and beautiful. They are an attractive addition to my garden even without the blooms.—————————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG



























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