shrubN. America Native

Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel

Name: Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel
Brand: Kalmia
Availability: InStock

Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire'

$44.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Kalmia latifolia, or Mountain Laurel, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to eastern North America, celebrated for its unique and beautiful cup-shaped flowers. 'Olympic Fire' is distinguished by its striking deep red buds that open to reveal soft pink flowers, creating a brilliant bicolored effect in the garden.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides an absolutely stunning floral display in late spring with its clusters of unique, geometric flowers. The glossy evergreen foliage and gnarled, interesting branch structure offer year-round appeal, making it a fantastic specimen for woodland gardens.

Its dense growth habit allows it to be used for screening or as an informal hedge in shady locations. It is highly deer resistant, making it a reliable choice in areas with high deer pressure.

As a native shrub, it supports native pollinators. The intricate flower structure has a fascinating mechanism where the stamens are held under tension and spring up to dust visiting bees with pollen.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Rocky Knoll Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$44.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with cool, moist, acidic, and well-drained soil.
Provide partial shade, especially from hot afternoon sun.
Dig a shallow, wide planting hole.
Set the plant with the top of its root ball level with or above the soil.
Backfill with amended soil and water in well.
Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and cool the roots.

Pro Tip

Like rhododendrons, plant mountain laurel high with the root ball slightly above the soil line to promote healthy root growth and prevent rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil is acidic (pH 4.5-5.5).
Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Mulch well to keep the root zone cool and moist.
Provide good air circulation to minimize leaf spot disease.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet, or alkaline soils.
Avoid deep planting, which can suffocate the roots.
Don't let the soil dry out completely.
Refrain from fertilizing heavily, as they are not heavy feeders.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Spectacular woodland edge specimenNaturalistic hedge or screenVibrant foundation planting

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Fothergilla gardenii Vaccinium corymbosum Tsuga canadensis Polystichum acrostichoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel questions

What zones can Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel grow in?

Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel deer resistant?

Yes — Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel bloom?

Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel need full sun?

Olympic Fire Mountain Laurel does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.