Kalmia latifolia- Mountain laurel

Description

General: Large, robust flowering evergreen shrub that’s symmetrical in its youth but becomes more open with age. Kalmias are slow growing reaching 7-15’ with a similar spread.

Leaves: Alternate, evergreen and irregularly whorled. 2-5” long, wide and leathery.

Flowers:  Vary from white, pink rose to deep rose with purple markings and appear May- June. 4-6” in diameter.

Fruit: Brown capsule persistent through the winter.
Attributes:  An excellent broadleaf flowering shrub for shady borders that naturalizes well. Can be used as an accent plant or along side other evergreens in a mixed border.

Culture

Hardiness:  Zones 4-9

Growing Conditions: Requires acid, cool, moist and well drained soil. Will tolerate full sun (with afternoon shade) to deep shade.

Maintenance:  Can be a finicky plant if soil conditions aren’t met. Incorporation of pine bark or peat rototilled 8 inches deep is reported to produce optimal soil for growing conditions.

Transplanting: Easy to transplant due to fibrous root system- ideally in cool weather months and when not in flower.

Our Experience

Experience at Great Hill

We have a number of Kalmia on the landscape from sprawling large specimens to a collection of dwarf plants. They tolerate sun and shade but are especially sensitive to soil conditions. Flowers are unique and long lasting adding a lot of interest to the landscape.

2023

Kalmia Bloom Data 2023