I just wanted to share this photo from one of the two mountain laurels in my front yard. I'm thrilled to see blooms.
It's not just because I love mountain laurel blooms for their beauty and smell (grape soda -- yum!). This is the first year this tree has bloomed so prolifically. We planted this gorgeous tree when we moved in 4 years ago, and it's finally become large enough and well-established in order to bloom.
Mountain laurels are slow growers and need a lot of attention as they become established. They need care as you transplant and frequent water. This tree received more water than the second one in our yard over the years -- and it shows. It is at least a 30 percent taller.
You can even limb these trees up to make them look more like a tree, since they are prone to looking bushy. I suggest waiting to do this for several years, and prune conservatively at first.
Once established, mountain laurels make wonderful additions to the full-sun garden.
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