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
| Plant Name | Bud Break | Full Bloom | Bloom Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| latifolia 'Carol' | May 23 | June 18 | June 28 |
| latifolia 'Carousel' | May 24 | June 15 | June 25 |
| latifolia 'Elf' | May 24 | June 12 | June 23 |
| latifolia "Hearts Desire' | May 20 | June 15 | June 28 |