I've heard that it is very difficult to start new laurels from cut stems. Is this true? Is there a way to start new plants that may be easier? I'm in NJ.

denice

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is very difficult to propagate from cuttings, seed or transplant. Most commercial propagation is being done by tissue culture. However, there's usually no harm in trying. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in the late spring and go the usual course of rooting hormone, potting and covering. Good luck.

Hi Denise,
Lots of people say say they are lots say they are not hard to start from cut stems. I haven't got around to trying Kalmia ang. stem cuttings yet but I plan to. From what I have read, the younger the plant, the better the chance for success. Make sure you use a rooting agent and now would be a good chance to find out if they do root.

While it takes longer, Mt. Laurels are easy to start from seed.

Hope this helps,

If they are like others in the azalea/rhodo family, they can probably be easily propagated by layering down. I've started many new azaleas & rhododendrons by simply pinning down a branch to the ground & leaving it that way for a couple of years. Eventually it roots & you can cut it free & dig it up. Nice, if the mountain laurel is already on your own property, impractical if not.