Mountain Laurels

Mountain Laurels, also known as mescal beans, are one of my favorite plants. I have about ten of them scattered over the yard. Nearly every one just sprouted from a discarded seed. In general, mountain laurels are not easy to transplant, so start with a nursery plant. Transplants also may not bloom for several years, so, again, it is best to start with a nursery plant.

Surprisingly, though, mine that have come up from discarded seeds have bloomed early on.

One of my neighbors planted a tree about six years ago and it just bloomed this spring.

Mountain laurels can grow up to about 30 feet and have a spread of up to 15 feet. They are considered to be slow growing. I have been surprised, however, at how quickly they started blooming. The blooms are a lovely shade of lavender and are intensely fragrant. The fragrance can be compared to that of grape Kool-Aid. There are other colors available, but, around here, lavender is the traditional color.

Mountain Laurels need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight and well-drained soil. The one that I have that blooms the best, however, is in some shade and run-off from my compost pile seems to be furnishing it with extra helpful nutrients. Too much nitrogen can be a problem, so avoid that. Also, pruning can delay the blooming time.

The joy of seeing the mountain laurels bloom and enjoying their fragrance is worth every minute of the wait for it to do so. So get started! Plant one now!

Written by Martha Knies