PLANTING SUGGESTIONS: This shrub should be fed in spring with an acid fertilizer, such as one formulated for azaleas and rhododendrons. Feeding will encourage more vigorous blooming.
SUN: Mountain laurel is highly prized because it performs well in part shade. It can tolerate full sun but the deep-green leaves may turn yellowish.
WATER: A newly planted mountain laurel needs watering every three to four days for the first few weeks. Give it enough water to thoroughly moisten the soil without making it soggy.
Plant mountain laurel shrubs in the springtime or early summer, once the risk of frost is gone, in well-draining, cool, damp, acidic soil.
SOIL: These shrubs are like cool, moist but well-drained, acidic soil (pH 5.0 to 5.5), planters filled with a well-draining soil mix.