Mountain Laurel Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire'
ABOUT
The Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire,' commonly known as Mountain Laurel, is a captivating evergreen shrub known for its unique and stunning floral display. The shrub is adorned with clusters of intricate flowers, which have a distinct star-shape and range in color from a deep pink to a rich, reddish hue. Before they fully bloom, the buds are notably dark pink, which creates a striking contrast against the surrounding greenery. The foliage of the Mountain Laurel 'Olympic Fire' consists of glossy, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the flowers. These leaves are broad, and the edges may have a slight ripple, adding texture to the plant's overall appearance. The blooms and leaves combined make the Mountain Laurel 'Olympic Fire' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a burst of color and evergreen structure to the landscape. The plant's striking colors and dense foliage make it a focal point when in bloom, and it maintains its verdant presence throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Mountain Laurel, Calico Bush, Spoonwood, Ivy Bush.
Common names
Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire'.
ToxicityTo humans
Mountain laurel, which includes the variety 'Olympic Fire', is toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain a toxic substance called grayanotoxin. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, weakness, and in severe cases, respiratory problems, and potentially death due to cardiovascular collapse.
To pets
Mountain laurel, which includes the variety 'Olympic Fire', is also toxic to pets. Just like in humans, all parts of the plant contain grayanotoxin. If pets ingest any part of the mountain laurel, they may exhibit symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite, abnormal heart rhythm, weakness, and in severe cases, seizures, low blood pressure, coma, and even potentially death. Prompt veterinary attention is required if poisoning is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: 'Olympic Fire' is known for its striking reddish-pink buds that open to form beautiful clusters of cup-shaped, pink and white flowers.
- Evergreen Foliage: It has glossy, dark green leaves that provide year-round interest and color in the landscape.
- Landscape Versatility: This plant is suitable for a variety of landscape uses, including foundation plantings, borders, and mass plantings.
- Shade Tolerance: Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' can thrive in partially shaded conditions, where many other flowering plants might struggle.
- Disease Resistance: It is generally resistant to many pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Native Plant Benefits: As a native to North America, it can be beneficial for local ecosystems and may support native wildlife such as pollinators.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, which can save time and effort for gardeners.
- Deer Resistance: 'Olympic Fire' is known to be resistant to browsing by deer, making it an excellent choice for areas where deer are a problem.
- Winter Interest: In addition to its evergreen foliage, the flower buds provide a visual interest during the winter months.
- Long Blooming: The flowering period of 'Olympic Fire' extends from late spring into early summer, providing a long season of visual interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The leaves of Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire', also known as Mountain Laurel, can be used to craft small, decorative items like bookmarks when pressed and dried.
- Dried Mountain Laurel branches can provide natural support structures for indoor climbing plants or can be arranged as a rustic bouquet.
- The wood of Mountain Laurel is very hard and can be used for making handles for small tools or carved into intricate walking sticks.
- Fine-grain wood from Mountain Laurel is sometimes used in woodworking to create unique inlays or small wooden jewelry, such as pendants and earrings.
- Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' can be utilized in photography as a natural backdrop for springtime portrait sessions due to its vibrant flowers.
- The flowers of Mountain Laurel can be carefully crystallized with sugar and used as edible decorations for cakes and pastries; however, one must ensure they are free of toxic compounds before consumption.
- Mountain Laurel leaves can be used to create natural dyes, providing a range of green hues for textile artwork.
- Bonsai enthusiasts may use young Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' plants to create artistic bonsai displays with its attractive foliage and flowers.
- During winter, the evergreen foliage of Mountain Laurel provides a protective shelter for wildlife, such as birds and small mammals, seeking refuge from the cold.
- Gardeners can use the densely growing Mountain Laurel as a natural privacy screen or living fence when landscaped strategically around property boundaries.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mountain Laurel is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mountain Laurel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Kalmia latifolia, commonly known as Mountain Laurel, is often associated with safeguarding and protective qualities, perhaps because it is a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions.
- Success: The 'Olympic Fire' variety, with its vibrant colors, suggests achievement and victory, reminiscent of the Olympic flame, a universal symbol of excellence.
- Perseverance: Mountain Laurel can grow in rocky or challenging terrain, symbolizing the ability to persist and endure hardships.
- Beauty: Known for its stunning flowers, the Mountain Laurel represents beauty and aesthetic pleasure, making it a plant that is often appreciated for its ornamental value.
WaterMountain laurels, including the 'Olympic Fire' variety, prefer consistently moist but well-drained soil, so it's important to water them regularly but avoid waterlogging. During the growing season, water them deeply once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on soil conditions and climate. In hot, dry weather, you may need to increase watering frequency. During the dormant season in fall and winter, reduce watering but do not let the soil completely dry out. Always check the soil moisture level a few inches below the surface; if it feels dry, it's time to water.
Light'Olympic Fire' mountain laurel thrives in partial shade to full sun. The best spot for this plant is where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, as intense afternoon sun can scorch the foliage. Dappled sunlight under the canopy of taller trees is also ideal to mimic the plant's natural woodland habitat.
TemperatureMountain laurel 'Olympic Fire' is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to about -10°F and up to about 100°F, but it prefers a more moderate range. The ideal temperature conditions for this plant are between 60°F and 80°F. Avoid planting in locations where temperature extremes are common.
PruningPrune 'Olympic Fire' mountain laurel to maintain desired shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Pruning is best done after flowering in the late spring or early summer, as the plant sets buds in the fall for the next year. Occasional thinning of dense branches can help improve air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Mountain Laurel 'Olympic Fire' is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. A mixture of peat moss, compost, and perlite or pine bark can provide the acidity and drainage the plant prefers.
RepottingMountain Laurel 'Olympic Fire' does not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingMountain Laurel 'Olympic Fire' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but can also tolerate average room humidity when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, moist acidic soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire', commonly known as 'Olympic Fire' Mountain Laurel, begins with the germination of seeds in a well-drained, acidic soil, where they require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, the seedlings grow into young plants, establishing a root system and foliage during their first season. As they enter the vegetative stage, they develop woody stems and evergreen leaves, forming a characteristic dense, rounded shrub. During late spring to early summer, mature plants produce clusters of vibrant red buds that open into intricate, pinkish-white flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the flowers develop into brown, capsule-like fruit that release seeds for dispersal. Over the years, 'Olympic Fire' Mountain Laurel will continue to grow and mature, reaching up to 10 feet in height and potentially living for several decades with proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Mountain Laurel 'Olympic Fire', primarily propagated through cuttings. The best time for this is late summer, after the plant has finished blooming and new growth has started to mature. To propagate, semi-hardwood cuttings, sections of the stem that are partially matured but still pliable, are taken from the plant. These cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long, with leaves removed from the lower half. The cut end is usually dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development and then inserted into a potting mix that's kept moist and warm (70-75°F or 21-24°C) until roots establish. This can take several weeks to a few months, after which the young plants can be gradually acclimatized to outside conditions and eventually transplanted to their final location.
