Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' (Mountain Laurel)
Origin: Hybrid
Family: Ericaceae
Light: Sun-part shade
Height: 4-6'
Spacing: 4-6'
Blooms: Corymbs, 3-4" across, prolific, red buds opens to soft pink, maroon, white, cup-shaped, late Spring
Foliage: Evergreen, purplish young leaves ages to deep green, dense, oval, wide, smooth, wavy margin
Seedpod: Capsule
Soil: Well-drained, moist, humus-rich, highly acidic, sandy, clayey, loamy, can tolerate some drought when established
Water: Regular
Fertilizer: Acid fertilizer after blooming season
Uses: Mass, border, foundation, hedge, mixed planting, woodland, container
Propagation: Seeds
Caution: Plant may cause skin allergy - wear gloves when handling
Comments: Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' or Mountain Laurel is a showy hybrid shrub with an upright, bushy, branching growth habit. It is introduced by Eichelser in 1978. In late spring or early Summer, Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' produces abundant large corymbs of eye-catching red buds that open to soft pink flowers. The colorful blooms of look contrasting against the dark green smooth foliage. The exquisite purple young leaves of Mountain Laurel give this shrub an appealing look. Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' can be propagated from seeds. It is slow in propagation but grows ideally in well-drained, highly acidic, clayey, sandy, loamy moist soil in a sunny to part shade environment. Mulch deeply to preserve moisture. Mountain Laurel can be trimmed after flowering season is over to promote more blooms next Spring. Mass plant Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' for a spectacular looking hedge. Use it in foundation planting, borders or mixed planting. Mountain Laurel makes a great woodland plant. It can also be container cultivated. Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' is an ideal shrub for the smaller garden. Its year-round beauty will charm any gardener's heart. Mountain Laurel is an attention getter.
USDA Zones: 4-9
JennysGarden.com...Plant images and gardening descriptions of Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' (Mountain Laurel) growing in Jenny's Garden
