SCIENTIFIC NAME: Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire'

COMMON NAME: Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel

GARDEN SIZE: 5 feet tall x 4-5 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5-9

EXPOSURE: Part Sun (morning sun). Tolerates shade, but becomes leggy.

WATER & SOIL: Prefers average or moist, well-drained acidic soil. Has average water needs, but can handle drought fairly well once established.

HABIT (FORM): Dense, upright rounded form

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; green foliage

FLOWERS: Pink flowers; showy clusters of red buds opening to light pink; blooms late spring to early summer

PLANT ORIGIN: eastern North America

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for local butterflies and moths, and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Use a liquid growth-promoting fertilizer (such as Monty’s Yellow 8-16-8) in early spring, along with a slow-release granular fertilizer for acid-loving plants (such as Holly-tone) in spring and fall.

PRUNING: Minimal pruning required. May be pruned lightly to maintain shape or remove dead or damaged branches.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally considered highly toxic to pets.

USES: Clustered ornamentals