Exploring the Best Companion Plants for Mountain Laurel

Oleh Anonymous July 14, 2023 Post a Comment

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Mountain Laurel Companion Plants: An

Mountain laurels are beautiful evergreen shrubs that are native to the eastern United States. They are known for their lovely pink, white, or red flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer. However, like many plants, they can benefit from the addition of companion plants that help them thrive. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for mountain laurels.

The Benefits of Companion Planting with Mountain Laurel

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together for mutual benefit. When correctly, companion planting can help improve soil health, attract beneficial insects, and even enhance the flavor of fruits and vegetables. When it comes to mountain laurels, companion planting can help:

Attract pollinators: Mountain laurels rely on pollinators to produce fruit. By planting companion plants that attract bees and other pollinators, you can increase the chances of a successful harvest.
Control pests: Some companion plants have natural pest-repelling properties that can help protect your mountain laurels from common garden pests.
Improve soil health: Certain companion plants, such as legumes, can help fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit mountain laurels and other plants in your garden.

Companion Plants for Mountain Laurel

Here are some of the best companion plants for mountain laurels:

1. Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are a great companion plant for mountain laurels because they have similar growing requirements. Both plants prefer acidic soil and partial shade, so they can be planted together without any issues. Rhododendrons also have beautiful flowers that bloom around the same time as mountain laurels, making for a stunning display.

2. Ferns

Ferns are another great companion plant for mountain laurels because they thrive in similar growing conditions. They prefer moist, well-draining soil and partial shade, which makes them a natural fit for planting alongside mountain laurels. Ferns can also help retain moisture in the soil, which can be beneficial to both plants.

3. Azaleas

Azaleas are a close relative of rhododendrons and also make great companions for mountain laurels. They have similar growing requirements and can be planted together without any issues. Azaleas also have beautiful flowers that bloom in early spring, before the mountain laurels to flower.

4. Hostas

Hostas are a popular shade-loving plant that can make an excellent companion for mountain laurels. They have large, attractive leaves that can provide some visual interest in areas where the mountain laurels are not in bloom. Hostas also have shallow roots, so they can be planted close to mountain laurels without competing for nutrients.

5. Wild Columbine

Wild columbine is a native wildflower that can be a great companion for mountain laurels. It has attractive red and yellow flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, around the same time as mountain laurels. Wild columbine is also a good choice for attracting pollinators to your garden.

6. Virginia Bluebells

Virginia bluebells are another native wildflower that can complement mountain laurels nicely. They bloom in early to mid-spring with clusters of pink or blue flowers. Virginia bluebells prefer moist, well-draining soil and partial shade, which makes them a good fit for planting alongside mountain laurels.

7. Bleeding Heart

Bleeding heart is a shade-loving perennial that can add some visual interest to your garden when the mountain laurels are not in bloom. It has attractive pink or white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Bleeding heart prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade, which makes it a good companion for mountain laurels.

8. Astilbe

Astilbe is another great companion plant for mountain laurels that prefer moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. It has attractive, feathery plumes of flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. Astilbe can also help retain moisture in the soil, which can be beneficial to both plants.

9. Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a shade-loving perennial that can make an excellent companion for mountain laurels. It has attractive foliage in shades of green, purple, or red, and produces small, delicate flowers in late spring to early summer. Heuchera prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade, which makes it a good fit for planting alongside mountain laurels.

10. Bluebells

Bluebells, also known as harebells, are a wildflower with delicate blue or lavender flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. They prefer well-draining soil and partial shade, which makes them a good companion for mountain laurels. Bluebells can also help attract pollinators to your garden.

Tips for Companion Planting with Mountain Laurel

Here are some tips to keep in mind when companion planting with mountain laurels:

Choose plants with similar growing requirements: Plants that have similar growing requirements are more likely to thrive when planted together.
Consider the timing of blooms: Choose companion plants that bloom around the same time as your mountain laurels for a stunning display.
Mix it up: Planting a variety of companion plants can help attract a wider range of pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden.

FAQs

1. Can I plant vegetables near my mountain laurels?

Yes, you can plant some vegetables near your mountain laurels, as long as they have similar growing requirements. However, keep in mind that mountain laurels prefer acidic soil, so you may need to amend the soil to accommodate your vegetables.

2. Do I need to fertilize my mountain laurels if I'm using companion plants?

Companion plants can help improve soil health, but you may still need to fertilize your mountain laurels occasionally. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm your plants.

3. Can I plant annuals with my mountain laurels?

Yes, you can plant annuals with your mountain laurels, but keep in mind that annuals need to be replanted each year. Consider choosing annuals that have similar growing requirements to your mountain laurels for best results.

4. How close can I plant companion plants to my mountain laurels?

The distance between companion plants and mountain laurels will depend on the specific plants you choose. In general, aim to plant them far enough apart that they won't compete for nutrients or sunlight.

5. Can I use mulch around my mountain laurels?

Yes, you can use mulch around your mountain laurels to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds. However, be sure to avoid piling the mulch too high around the base of the plant, as this can cause rot.