Bridesmaid Mountain Laurel

The lovely two-tone flowers of the Bridesmaid Mountain Laurel are eye-catching during the late spring. Kalmia lat. 'Bridesmaid' has cup-shaped blooms with a dark pink outline that fades to a nearly white throat. The individual flowers are stunning, but they bloom in clusters for an even bigger and impressive display. After the flowers fade, this evergreens foliage provides visual interest in a landscape. The flowers are offset by dark green oval foliage, giving the shrub a full and dense appearance. The Bridesmaid Mountain Laurel thrives in shady spots unsuitable for many other flowering shrubs, making it possible to add color and texture to an otherwise challenging area. Feature several Mountain Laurel shrubs together to create a stunning low hedge or impressive mass planting. The Bridesmaid Mountain Laurel grows as a perennial shrub in zones 5 through 8. Bridesmaid Mountain Laurel Care The Bridesmaid Mountain Laurel is a shade-loving shrub; while it can handle full sun, a spot that receives about 4 hours of sunlight daily is ideal. Moist, well-drained, acidic soil with high organic content supports growth. Mountain Laurel has average water needs. Depending on rainfall, give the plant a deep drink every 10 to 14 days once established. Remove spent flowers to keep the shrub looking tidy. Shape Mountain Laurel as necessary in late spring or early summer after the blooms fade. Help the shrub handle chilly winter temperatures by applying a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant in the fall. Bridesmaid Mountain Laurel Spacing At 8 to 10 feet tall and wide, the Bridesmaid Mountain Laurel makes a beautiful hedge. Space shrubs 8 feet apart to create a continuous planting. Feature a single plant in a container that measures 18 inches across.