Mountain Laurel ‘Tinkerbell’ is a distinct cultivar of the native Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). This compact evergreen shrub offers a unique appeal with its manageable size and striking floral display, enhancing various garden settings.
Key Characteristics of Tinkerbell Mountain Laurel
‘Tinkerbell’ Mountain Laurel reaches 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, forming a dense, mounded habit. Its attractive, small, glossy, dark green evergreen leaves provide year-round interest. Deep pink, rose-like flower buds open to shell-pink, cup-shaped flowers with delicate crimson centers. Abundant clusters of blooms emerge from late spring into early June.
Planting and Site Selection
This shrub thrives in partial shade, ideally with morning sun and protection from intense afternoon sun. While it can tolerate full sun, excessive exposure may lead to yellowish foliage. It requires consistently moist, well-draining, acidic soil (pH 5.0-5.5) rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils, which can lead to root rot; amending with compost or peat moss can improve drainage.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep. Place the shrub so the top of the root ball is flush with the surrounding soil, ensuring the crown is not buried to prevent rot. Backfill the hole with amended soil and water thoroughly to settle the soil. Initial watering every three to four days for the first few weeks helps establish roots. Space plants 4 to 5 feet apart for proper air circulation and growth.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is important, particularly during its first growing season. Water regularly, about once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it shows moderate drought tolerance but benefits from deep watering during dry periods. Applying a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base helps conserve soil moisture and keeps the root zone cool.
Fertilization supports growth and flowering. Apply a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants (e.g., azaleas, rhododendrons) once a year in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid placing fertilizer directly against the plant’s trunk. Pruning should occur immediately after the shrub finishes blooming in late spring or early summer. This involves deadheading spent flowers and lightly shaping the plant to maintain its dense, mounded form.
Monitor for common pests like lace bugs, whiteflies, weevils, and borers, which can cause leaf damage. Inspect the undersides of leaves for lace bugs and whitefly nymphs. Diseases like fungal leaf spots and blights may appear, indicated by brown or yellow spots on leaves, especially in humid conditions. Good air circulation and proper watering practices can help reduce disease incidence. Chlorosis, or yellowing of leaves with green veins, can occur in alkaline soils, indicating an iron deficiency; maintaining soil acidity helps prevent this.
Ideal Landscape Applications
Its compact size and attractive features make it a versatile choice for various garden designs. Its dense, rounded form and evergreen foliage provide year-round structure and interest in the landscape. It is well-suited for foundation plantings, offering a refined look against buildings.
It excels in woodland gardens and naturalized areas, where its native charm can be fully appreciated. It also performs well in mixed borders, contributing its unique blooms and foliage. Due to its smaller stature, ‘Tinkerbell’ can be effectively used in general garden beds, as a low informal hedge, or even in larger containers, bringing its beauty closer to patios and entryways.