| Size | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | |
| Type | |
| Family | |
| Native? | Native Hybrid |
| Zone | 4, 5, 5b, 6, 7, 8, 8b, 9 |
| Height Range (ft.) | 4.00 to 6.00 |
| Spread (ft.) | 4.00 to 6.00 |
| Bloom Time | |
| Bloom Description | Clusters, Dark markings, Pink, Vibrant Red, White center |
| Sun | |
| Water | |
| Maintenance | |
| Suggested Use | foundation plantings, ornamental shrub, specimen plantings, Woodland Garden |
| Tolerate | |
| Growth Rate | |
| Attracts |
Kalmia latifolia ‘Olympic Fire’ is a hybrid native evergreen with rose-pink buds and red-centered blooms for shade gardens and naturalized landscapes.
$50.99
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| Size | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | |
| Type | |
| Family | |
| Native? | Native Hybrid |
| Zone | 4, 5, 5b, 6, 7, 8, 8b, 9 |
| Height Range (ft.) | 4.00 to 6.00 |
| Spread (ft.) | 4.00 to 6.00 |
| Bloom Time | |
| Bloom Description | Clusters, Dark markings, Pink, Vibrant Red, White center |
| Sun | |
| Water | |
| Maintenance | |
| Suggested Use | foundation plantings, ornamental shrub, specimen plantings, Woodland Garden |
| Tolerate | |
| Growth Rate | |
| Attracts |
Kalmia latifolia ‘Olympic Fire’, commonly known as Mountain Laurel, is a bold and colorful hybrid native evergreen shrub treasured for its vivid rose-pink buds that open to soft pink flowers with deep red markings. Blooming in late spring, this cultivar of the eastern U.S. native Mountain Laurel grows 5 to 8 feet tall and wide, with dense branching and glossy dark green foliage. Ideal for shady borders, woodland gardens, or naturalized landscapes, ‘Olympic Fire’ adds vibrant seasonal color and evergreen structure with the added benefit of native origin.
Striking spring color: Rose-pink buds and red-centered blooms brighten shaded gardens
Evergreen beauty: Dense foliage offers year-round greenery and texture
Native roots: A hybrid of the native Mountain Laurel, combining ornamental and ecological value
Sun exposure: Best in part shade with protection from hot afternoon sun
Soil needs: Requires moist, acidic, well-drained soils; avoid alkaline or compacted soil
Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune after flowering to shape if needed
Woodland borders: A brilliant bloomer for understory planting and native garden designs
Foundation beds: Adds structure and interest in shady, acidic soil conditions
Native-inspired plantings: Combines well with ferns, shade perennials, and native shrubs
Hybrid native: Retains some pollinator and habitat value while offering vibrant ornamental traits
Bird-friendly: Evergreen form provides shelter and seasonal structure
Sustainable landscaping: A low-input, long-lived option for native-themed gardens
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Partially. Kalmia latifolia is native to the eastern United States, especially in the Appalachian region. ‘Olympic Fire’ is a cultivar of this native species, selected for its showy flowers. While cultivated, it retains the ecological benefits of the native plant and is well-suited for woodland and pollinator gardens.
‘Olympic Fire’ is known for its vivid red flower buds that open to pink blooms with dark red markings, offering a bold and colorful display in late spring to early summer. It has a compact, rounded growth habit, typically growing 5 to 6 feet tall and wide, with dense, glossy evergreen foliage that adds year-round interest.
This shrub thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and is ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or under tall trees, where it benefits from protection against strong sun and wind.
Yes. The spring blooms attract bees and other native pollinators, and the evergreen foliage provides excellent shelter and cover for birds and small mammals. While not a major host plant, Mountain Laurel helps support habitat structure and diversity in native landscapes.
Yes. Like other Kalmia latifolia cultivars, ‘Olympic Fire’ is generally deer-resistant due to its toxic, leathery foliage. It is also low-maintenance when grown in the right conditions—requiring only light pruning after flowering and mulching to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
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