Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel

Light Needs

Partial Shade

(3 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel is a broadleaf evergreen that has masses of springtime blooms to brighten up the woodland garden. Shady gardens are the preferred spot for this cultivar of a North American native shrub. It is not only a profuse bloomer, but the upright shape and medium height make it useful as a specimen for the back of the border. Mountain Laurel would even work as a container plant for seasonal interest on a shady front step. 

The deep pink buds of Kalimia open to a delicate pale pink flower that is very ornate and interesting. Native bees and even Hummingbirds are drawn to its sweet nectar. The blooms of Olympic Fire provide a bridge between the early spring blooming bulbs and the summer blooming perennials. 

Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel Care

Mountain Laurel likes to have consistently moist soil. Good drainage is a must, as they do not tolerate standing water. The pH is not very important. Mountain Laurel is a woodland plant that grows primarily at the edges and transition areas so will appreciate shady to partly sunny spots. Fertilization is rarely needed. 

Pruning is done after all blooms have finished. Dead, diseased, dying and diagonal branches can be cut out to help Mountain Laurel to maintain an open shape and keep it blooming strong.

Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel Spacing

Olympic Fire has a more compact and sturdy shape than other cultivars. Height of 4-5 feet and a width of 4-5 feet, spacing when planted as an informal hedge will be 4 feet, center on center. This will allow air circulation around the branches.