Good Show Mountain Laurel

Good Show Mountain Laurel, Ericaceae, or Kalmia latifolia Good Show is an easy-to-grow evergreen plant with rich, vivid green, oval leaves. Standing at a height of 6 to 8 feet, the Good Show blooms in late spring, bearing showy clusters of pink starburst buds that open into pastel pink, chalice-shaped blooms with scarlet throats and ten star-like points. These bright-colored flowers contrast beautifully with the deep evergreen foliage, making this Mountain Laurel a truly excellent show. The Good Show Mountain Laurel is native to North America and has a dense, vigorous form. a slow-growing evergreen shrub with a balanced, mounded habit that matures to an even spread and height of 6 to 8 feet. It is highly tolerant of both cold climates and shade, making it a reliable, hardy addition to woodland gardens. It is deer and critter resistant, as well as resistant to leaf spot and other common plant diseases. Good Show Mountain Laurel Care Good Show Mountain Laurel should be planted in acidic, humus-rich soils. It rarely grows well in clay. It thrives in shade and partial shade but needs protection from winter sun and winds. Avoid planting the Good Show in areas with full sun. You should prune your laurel in the late spring, after it flowers, but only to maintain the shape you desire. Cut the branches of the laurel to just above a set of leaves to encourage fresh growth. Exercise caution not to give you Mountain Laurel too much fertilizer or expose them to plants fed with high-nitrogen products. Good Show Mountain Laurel Spacing Good Show Mountain Laurel should be spaced at least 2 feet apart when planting. They make an excellent foundation option, and partner well with rhododendrons and azaleas, which grow under similar conditions. They are a welcome colorful addition to a woodland landscape, and work well in pots and containers so long as they have adequate drainage. Plant them together to create a lovely screen or privacy hedge.