Tinkerbell Mountain Laurel

Size

Tinkerbell is a Mountain Laurel with delicate pink blooms, but the same reliably vigorous growth of the native shrub. The dark pink flower buds open to the palest pink flowers for a touch of softness in even the darkest part of any shady garden. The evergreen leaves add year round interest to wherever this reliable bloomer is planted and would look great mixed in with other broadleaf evergreens such as Azalea and Rhododendron. Tinkerbell is versatile as a foundation planted shrub, used in a woodland plant in groups or as part of an informal or native hedge. Maybe that is why Tinkerbell was the 2003 University of Vermont winner for Woody Plants. Mountain Laurel is also a wonderful attractor of wildlife in the garden. BIrds, hummingbirds and native bees all make great use of this tough shrub. Tinkerbell Mountain Laurel Care Mountain Laurel are not very fussy about what kind of soil they grow in. Clay, sand and loam is fine. The soil needs to be moisture retentive and well drained. Mulching in the winter will help to bulk up the soil so that it holds moisture through the summer. Extra irrigation may be necessary during extreme hot or dry periods. Tinkerbell will appreciate a soil pH of neutral to acidic range and as well as an annual acid loving plant fertilizer applied early in the spring. A slow release food will provide nutrients all growing season. Pruning couldn't be easier. After this shrub is finished blooming, all that is needed is a quick deadheading to keep this compact grower in shape. Watering can be made easier by installing drip irrigation or soaker hoses to the garden beds. Tinkerbell Mountain Laurel Spacing Tinkerbell is really on the small end of the Mountain Laurel family and deserves to be planted in a spot that it will really be seen. As a low growing informal hedge around a garden or in a group for color impact, proper spacing is needed to keep Mountain Laurels growing vigorous and disease free. Placing shrubs 4 feet center on center is recommended.