Trying to decide between the two for planting in my yard (zone 7) and am getting confused. Some sources say they are the same. The botanical name for Mt. Laurel is Kalmia latifolila. Thanks for any help!
Does anyone know the difference between Mt. Laurel and Rhododendron?
Mt. Laurel is dominant in dry conditions, a Rhody is not it prefers more moisture. ML has small shiny leaves, and the Rhody has long dull leaves, it's flowers are also bigger and the ML's is smaller. Did you know that the Rhody can grow up to 80 ft tall? They are an evergreen so planting and transplanting Rhododendrons is best done in the early spring or early fall. When transplanting, replant bushes at the same level in the ground was they were in their original location. Smaller bushes transplant best. Rhododendrons are acid loving plants. They grow best in light shade, and need protection from midday sun and winter sun. They prefer a moist, well drained soil with a pH of 5.5. On the other hand a Mt Laurel also provides evergreen leaves along with clusters of white, red or pink flowers in early summer and it grows only about four to eight tall. Since you are in zone (7) I would choose either, it just depends on where in the yard you put it and how much sun that place gets. I love flowers so I personally would get one of each. Good luck:)
Reply:If the Mountain Kalmias are natives in your area, you're better off selecting those than hybrid Rhodies
Reply:Rhododendron produces beautiful flowers depending on the one you pick and are more hardy to winters. They also keep more of their leaves during winter than Mt. Laurel. The Mt Laurel takes for ever to grow to the size of a Rhododendron and is more likely to be damaged by winter kill. Believe me, Rhododendron is you best bet. I recommend Rhododendron catawbiense for your zone. Beautiful lilac-purple to purplish red flowers and grows to an average size of 8ft tall, 6ft wide.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendro...
Try this website.
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