About
Kalmia latifolia, the mountain laurel, is a dense, bushy, evergreen shrub to around 3 m with glossy, dark-green leaves to 12 cm long. Large clusters of beautifully crimped, bowl-shaped flowers to 2.5 cm across are produced in late spring and early summer in pale to deep pink, opening from deeper pink buds. One of the most ornamental of all hardy shrubs for a moist, acidic border or woodland garden.
About the genus
Kalmia are evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or corymbs of bowl-shaped flowers in spring or summer. Native to North America, they require moist, acidic, humus-rich soil and are excellent companions for rhododendrons and other ericaceous plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toE USA
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained acidic soil in partial shade, or in sun where the soil remains reliably moist; mulch in spring with leaf mould or well-rotted pine needles
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility