How do I fertilize Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire?
Azalea's such as Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire 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 Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire 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. If chemical fertilizers are used on your Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire, applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a year is probably the simplest solution. There are many slow-release fertilizers on the market. If you can find a fertilizer formulated for shrubs and trees, this fertilizer would work well on Kalmia Latifolias. However, slow-release is certainly not the only way to fertilizer Kalmia Latifolias such as Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire. A less expensive fast release fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 will work just as well if applied twice during the early spring and very early summer. If you are looking for a fertilizing routine tailored to your specific conditions, a soil sample should be taken and the fertilizer and trace elements matched to the needs of your soil. The amount of chemical fertilizer used per plant will vary with the size of the plant and it's root system. Over-fertilization can be much more detrimental than under-fertilization. "Fertilizer burn" can occur when too much fertilizer is applied, resulting in a drying out of the fine hair-like roots and damage or even death of the Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire. It is much, much better to err on the side of too little fertilizer than too much. When roots are burned, the first sign is often scorched looking leaves. If over-fertilization is severe, the plant may just wilt and die. Never fertilize a plant with a chemical fertilizer if the plant looks sick or wilted. If a plant is struggling due to a disease or root problems, the fertilizer will only add stress to it's life. Try to cure the problem before adding fertilizer. When looking at most fertilizers, they are described by three numbers on the bag. An example would be 10-10-10 or 12-4-8. The first of these three numbers refers to Nitrogen, which is the primary element necessary for good, balanced growth within the Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire. Plants that are deficient in Nitrogen are usually not growing vigorously. Not all Nitrogen deficiencies result in stunted growth. Sometimes, the growth is taller and longer with less than desirable branching when Nitrogen is deficient. Plants will sometimes also produce less flowers as a result of too much nitrogen. The second number in the fertilizer equation is representative of Phosphorus. A deficiency of Phosphorus may affect the energy transfer in the plant, and result in stunted growth as well. Also, plants with insufficient amounts of Phosphorus may have poorer root systems. Potassium is the element represented by the third number on the fertilizer bag. Plants that are deficient in Potassium, are usually growing more slowly than normal, have fewer flowers and seed, and are more susceptible to disease than plants with adequate levels of Potassium. Although the three elements just mentioned are the major elements necessary for good plant performance, there some minor elements that are just as important in consideration of Kalmia Latifolia nutrition. When you have selected your fertilizer and are ready to apply it, be sure to rake your mulch back to the drip line of each plant being careful to not disturb the tender surface roots. Apply the fertilizer according to the label directions immediately on top of the soil, and be sure to water the plant thoroughly after the application. You can then rake the mulch back around the base of the Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire. Although it is tempting to spend less time by not raking the mulch back during fertilization, the results will be less than desirable, if the fertilizer is applied on top of the mulch. Proper fertilization of your Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire will lead to healthier and more disease resistant plants, as well as provide you with many more enjoyable blooms. Always, read the label on your fertilizer bag, and follow the instructions.
How do I prune Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire?
Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire commonly known as Mountain Laurel. This shrub is known for its brilliant summer display of scarlet red buds and pink flowers, in early to mid summer. The flowers bloom on the previous season's growth, so you must wait to prune until blooms expire to avoid cutting off the developing flower buds. In general gardening terms, pruning is probably the most misunderstood gardening chore, and certainly, the chore that is most likely neglected. When we specifically look at pruning with regards to Kalmia latifolias, this misunderstanding and negligence can be magnified. Pruning has been described as a “combination of art and science.” I find pruning to be one of the most relaxing yet rewarding chores in the garden. Pruning a specific plant to look a specific way, involves art in creating a unique definition for a specific plant, and it involves science in understanding the physical growing habits of the plant to be pruned. The most important reason for pruning Kalmia latifolias is to improve the overall health of the plant which in turn will reward you with a plethora of blooms. Removing the dead and dying limbs will minimize the possibility of diseases and will also allow the plant to re-concentrate its energies and produce flowers. It is also important to understand the specific growing characteristic of a certain Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire when pruning that particular plant. When pruning established Kalmia latifolias where no labeling is present on a variety to identify it, you need to look at the general growth patterns of the plant to be pruned. These observations should give you a good idea of how the plant tends to grow, and also how and when you should prune the plant. It is important to always use sharp tools when pruning Kalmia latifolias or any plant for that matter. Knives, hand cutters, saws, and shears should be sharpened if necessary before pruning any plant. A sharp cut will heal quicker than a jagged cut, which will also minimize the likelihood of disease investing a cut during pruning. It is generally recommended to not use power equipment such as gas hedgers to prune Kalmia latifolias.
