Yankee Doodle Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia, or the Yankee Doodle mountain laurel, is a North American native, so it is easy to maintain, especially once its acclimated. This shrub puts on a stunning floral display during the spring but continues to provide color and visual interest throughout the year. Red buds emerge in clusters during the spring, and the unique, single-petal flowers open later in the season to showcase light pink flowers with a maroon band. The glossy green elliptical leaves are light green, and as a broadleaf evergreen, the foliage stays in place year-round. Mountain laurel has a branched, upright growth habit. This is a slow-growing shrub with a naturally rounded form. Feature the mountain laurel in mass plantings, borders, or as a foundation planting, especially in landscapes with a woodland look. This shrub grows in zones 5 through 8. Yankee Doodle Mountain Laurel Care Mountain laurel performs best in partial sun. Too much sunlight and the foliage will develop a yellow hue; not enough light and the flowering may not be as prolific. Plant this shrub in moist but well-drained, acidic soil. Make sure not to position the crown below the soil level when planting because this can cause rot and eventual death. Yankee Doodle prefers evenly moist soil. Young shrubs need water several days a week for the first few weeks, but acclimated shrubs need water weekly, or whenever the top couple inches of soil feel dry. Shape the shrub in the spring as needed after the flowers fade. Mountain laurel is resilient; leggy plants can handle an aggressive, rejuvenating trim. Remove damaged or dead branches at any time. Plants in areas with high wind or particularly cold winter weather will benefit from protection. Yankee Doodle Mountain Laurel Spacing The Yankee Doodle Mountain Laurel will grow 8 to 10 feet wide and tall. Space shrubs 8 feet apart so each plant has room to grow without crowding its neighbors.