Native Kalmia at Sticks and Stones Farm in Newtown. (Thanks to Kim Proctor for this great shot!)

Everyone loves Mountain Laurel in bloom, after all, its Connecticut's state flower! 

Here are a few things to remember about Kalmia latifolia:

• Kalmia does not naturally form a rounded shape. Remember that the plant will revert back to its native, small tree-like habit if left untrimmed.
• Acidic, moist, well-drained soil is ideal, but be careful of excessive water, especially if irrigation is present. Watering twice a week is plenty for established plants, even during hot weather.
• Mountain Laurel performs well in partial shade; however, all plants are phototropic (they respond to light). Like most plants, they exhibit positive phototropism. The side exposed to more shade will thin as plant cells stretch to grow towards light.
• Sanitation is critical in helping prevent insect and disease infestations. Kalmia is generally pest-free, outside of pesky deer (usually only an issue in winter when they're hungriest), but it's always a good idea to avoid excessive mulch, removed diseased leaf litter and trim correctly with clean, sharp, disinfected tools.

Here are some tips to keep the plant under control in a landscape:

• Remove spent flowers (deadhead) before they go to seed to allow that seed producing energy to be redirected into producing more vigorous growth.
• Many people think Mountain Laurel bloom better every other year. That's true when they are unmaintained, but the above tip of deadheading will allow better flowering every year.
• Some light trimming can be done after bloom. That way, the growth stimulated has time to harden off before winter.
• Rejuvenative pruning is best done in early spring. That means sacrificing that year's bloom, but is sometimes necessary for overgrown plants.
• After that hard pruning, trim the new shoots again before they harden off if a rounded, Pieris­ likeshape is desired. Otherwise, selectively thin them out for a more natural, yet still full appearance.
• Staying with deadheading and light trimming after bloom will usually keep the plants full enough so major pruning can be avoided.
• As with any plant, broken, dead or diseased branches should be cut cleanly any time.

Thanks Darryl!

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Gorgeous Knockouts!

Have a fine weekend!

As always, we appreciate your business!

Chuck and Darryl Newman
Planters' Choice Nursery