How do I mulch Kalmia latifolia Dwarf Elf Mountain Laurels?

We highly recommend that you mulch your Elf Mountain Laurel Kalmia Latifolia with either a ground hardwood mulch or a ground cypress mulch depending on your local availability. Any type of mulch will do, but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of a higher quality and provide better nutrition overall as they breakdown. Mulching helps to keep weeds away that will compete with your new investment for water and nutrients. A 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch is sufficient, but remember to take care not to cover any part of the stem of the plant with mulch. It's better to leave a one-inch gap of space between the mulch and the stem or trunk of the plant.

Kalmia latifolia Elf pink flowers with green foliage

Images Depict Mature Plants

Elf Mountain Laurel

Q: How do I plant an Elf Mountain Laurel Shrub?

We suggest when planting your newly purchased Kalmia latifolia Elf Mountain Laurel Shrubs that you dig a hole twice as wide as the root system but not deeper. Depending on the quality of your existing soil, you may need to add a locally-sourced compost or topsoil to the backfill soil. We do not recommend using straight topsoil or compost as a backfill soil for Elf Mountain Laurel because more times than not these products will retain entirely to much moisture and will cause the root system to rot. Adding compost or topsoil will help the young feeder roots of Elf Mountain Shrubs spread through the loose, nutrient-rich soil much easier than if you used solely the existing soil, which more times than not will be hard and compacted. The most common cause of plant death after transplanting is planting the new plant too deep. That is why we do not recommend planting in a hole any deeper than the soil line of the plant in the pot. A good rule is that you should still be able to see the soil the plant was grown in after back-filling the hole.

Q: How do I water Kalmia Latifolia Elf Mountain Laurel Shrubs?

After back filling and lightly compacting the 50/50 mix of existing soil and compost give the Kalmia latifolia Elf a good, deep watering. This is not to be rushed. Most of the water you put on the plant at first will run away from the plant until the soil is soaked. A general rule of thumb is to count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size. For example, a one gallon pot would be watered until you count to 5; a three gallon pot would be 15; and so on. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day there after. Water using the counting method for the first few weeks.

Q: How do I fertilize Elf Dwarf Mountain Laurel?

Azalea's such as Kalmia Elf Mountain grow best if they are fertilized lightly in the spring once frost has passed with a well-balanced, extended-release, fertilizer such as Espoma Holly-tone. Fertilize Mountain Laurel again 6 to 8 weeks later to encourage extra flowers or faster growth of young shrubs. Either chemical fertilizers or organic matter can be used successfully with Kalmia latifolias. Since an organic method of applying manure and/or compost around the roots, produces excellent results and also improves the condition of the soil, this would be an excellent first line of attack. Organic additions to the soil can also be combined with a shot of chemical fertilizer for maximum effect.

Kalmia Latifolia 'Elf'

Kalmia latifolia is semi-dwarf evergreen laurel with light pink flowering and white overtones. A good plant for groupings, especially in a semi-shade woodland garden.

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Woodies Root Booster Fertilizer

Woodies Select 4-4-4 Organic Fertilizer

Espoma Holly-Tone Fertilizer

Soil Soaker Hose

Elf Mountain Laurel for Sale Online

Elf Mountain Laurel Shrubs, or Dwarf Mountain Laurel, produce light pink and white flowers in May. Some of their flowers have pink centers and create a beautiful and elegant contrast to the bright green foliage. Their flowers start as pink buds before they blossom for their growing season.

Make sure you plant your shrub in well-draining soil conditions to ensure this plant grows healthy and does not get root rot disease. Elf Mountain Laurel shrubs are good plants to add to your garden because of their unique flowers and coloring.

Growzone: 4-8

Hardiness Zone:	4-8
Mature Height:	2 to 3 Feet
Mature Width:	2 to 4 Feet
Classification:	Broadleaf evergreen shrub, flowers in May
Sunlight:	Part sun to part shade
Habit:	Upright, great for naturalizing
Foliage:	Evergreen
Flower Color:	Light pink buds with white flowers
Pruning Season:	Prune lightly after bloom to promote bushy growth
Soil Condition:	Moist, rich, acidic, humusy, well-drained soils
Water Requirements:	Water well until established
Uses:	Tolerates moist soil and partial shade or full sun

How to Care for Elf Mountain Laurel

Before you purchase your Elf Mountain Laurel shrub, be sure to read the recommended care instructions to ensure your plant remains happy and healthy for years to come.

How do I plant an Elf Mountain Laurel Shrub?

When planting your Kalmia latifolia Elf Mountain Laurel Shrub, first dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball but no deeper. Depending on the quality of the existing soil in your garden, you may want to add a locally-sourced compost or topsoil to the backfill soil. Doing so will help the young feeder roots of your shrub to spread through the loose, nutrient-rich soil than if you used only the existing. A good rule is that you should see the soil the plant was grown in after you backfill the hole.

How do I water Kalmia Latifolia Elf Mountain Laurel Shrubs?

We recommend keeping your shrub's soil consistently moist, but once the plant establishes this shrub is quite drought-resistant. However, if the soil conditions get too hot and dry, your plant could suffer. On the other hand, if the soil is too soggy, your plant's roots could get root rot disease, and this disease is irreversible. Try planting your Elf Mountain Laurel in a raised bed or planter to help with drainage.

How do I fertilize Elf Dwarf Mountain Laurel?

We recommend that you fertilize your Mountain Laurel shrub with an acid fertilizer in the spring. Any fertilizer formulated for azaleas and rhododendrons will be the best choice for your Mountain Laurel shrub. Feeding them in the spring will encourage more vigorous blooming. Be sure to avoid fertilizing in the winter. Your shrub goes into a growth dormancy period during this season and will not need any fertilizer at this time.

What Kind of Soil Does my Elf Mountain Laurel Shrub Require?

These shrubs prefer to be in moist, well-draining soil conditions. Mountain Laurels also like to be in acidic soil. This shrub's natural habitat is woodsy areas near swampy zones but not soggy soil. When planting your new shrub, try your best to keep it away from clay soil because it is not ideal for good drainage. If you have dense soil conditions in your garden, try planting in a raised bed filled with a well-draining soil mixture.

Frequently Asked questions

How do I prune Elf Mountain Kalmia latifolia?

How Do I Propagate Mountain Laurel Shrubs?

Are There Any Disease or Pest Problems with Mountain Laurel Shrubs?

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