Mountain laurel

[shipsquartersfarm]

One of the more avid collectors in the Baltimore club called me, asking for advice in caring for a recently collected and impressive mountain laurel. I could only tell him that, while I have collected plants that I thought had real potential, all had dwindled away their foliage over a period of a few years. I have largely foresworn collecting them.

Has anyone had positive experiences with mountain laurel over a significant period of time? I would guess that they would be happiest in dappled shade, and in a relatively moisture-retaining soil, but I think that that is what I tried before, to no avail.

They do feature dramatic taper and movement in the woods.

[ross.clark]

Mountain laurels seem to have a rather tricky relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, so are difficult to transplant and often decline after transplanting. Growing them in a confined pot would be even more difficult. If you can master the technique, then many of us will beat a path to your door!

[shipsquartersfarm]

I like a challenge, but I can't say that I feel encouraged.

Thanks, though