Summary
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a slow-growing, multi-stemmed, broad-leaved evergreen shrub. Typically growing 8-15′ tall it prefers humusy, acidic, moist, and well-drained soils in part shade. As plants are intolerant of heavy clay or wet soils, raised plantings should be considered to promote good drainage.
When young, the shrub exhibits a dense rounded habit and as it matures it will generally open up to reveal a gnarly branching architecture. The dark green leaves are glossy, leathery, and 2-5” long by ¾- 1½” wide. Flowers are borne in terminal clusters, 4-6” across, at the tip of the stems in late May into June and typically cover the plant. When in bud they resemble a small head of the vegetable romanesco, and upon opening they appear like small, delicate fluted cups. Each flower is about 1” across and can be white, pink, rosy-pink, or red, all with interior purple markings. Deadheading after flowering keeps plants tidy. Prune to remove dead wood and after flowering to maintain desired size. This allows light into the interior of the plant to encourage new growth. Stressed plants and those sited at lower elevations are prone to leaf spot. Zones 4-9.
‘Pink Charm’ (photo 8) is a cultivar with vivid pink flowers.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub - Sun/Shade Conditions
filtered-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
evergreen - Soil Moisture
moist - Flowering Period
late-spring - Soil PH
acidic - Flower Color
deep-pink, white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
North Carolina Extension, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Missouri Botanical Garden