- Share
-
Comments
(1)
Mountain laurel
Kalmia selections
A showy shrub native to eastern North America, mountain laurel is closely related to azaleas and rhododendrons. It grows in a large, rounded mound and has dark green foliage that remains on the plant all year. In late spring, it bears clusters of flowers in white, pink, and red.
Like most rhododendrons and azaleas, mountain laurel needs soil with an acidic pH. It prefers ground that's moist, well-drained, and high in organic matter, so amend average soil with compost or peat moss before planting. Mountain laurel tolerates full sun in moist soil, though it does better in partial shade if the soil tends to get dry.
All parts of mountain laurels are poisonous.
- Light:
- Sun,Part Sun
- Zones:
- 5-9
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Plant Height:
- To 12 feet tall
- Plant Width:
- To 12 feet wide
- Flower Color:
- White, pink/rose, red
- Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Landscape Uses:
- Containers,Beds & Borders
- Special Features:
- Flowers,Deer Resistant
Top Varieties
Kalmia latifolia 'Elf' was the first dwarf mountain laurel introduced. It has large pink buds that open to nearly white flowers. It grows 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Zones 5-9
view >
view >
Kalmia latifolia 'Minuet' is an outstanding dwarf selection that bears light pink buds and pink flowers with a bold red band. It grows 3 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-9
view >
view >
Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire' shows off red-pink buds that open to dark pink flowers. It grows 10 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-9
view >
view >
Kalmia latifolia 'Peppermint' offers unique white flowers with dark red streaks running to the edges. It grows 10 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-9
view >
view >
Kalmia latifolia 'Snowdrift' is considered one of the best pure-white selections. It has rich, dark green foliage that's very shiny. It grows 10 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-9
view >
view >
Kalmia latifolia 'Tinkerbell' is a dwarf selection that bears deep pink buds that open to reveal rich pink flowers. It grows 3 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-9
view >
view >
not what you're looking for? try a new search
We love mountain laurel. It is an easy shrub to cultivate. It does not really require trimming. It grows as a small tree or a tall shrub. In late spring the flowers are bursting with color and thereafter the glossy green leaves are maintained. It is a woody plant that grows in the wild or if wanted it gives added interest to small gardens with ground cover.
5/6/2012 06:55:05 AM Report AbuseAdd your comment
Please confirm your comment by answering the question below and clicking "Submit Comment."