Plant field guide
Mountain Laurel
Native evergreen shrub with unique geometric flower buds and cup-shaped blooms. Exceptional in woodland settings.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Kalmia latifolia
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 48 in (122 cm) – 120 in (305 cm)
- Spread
- 48 in (122 cm) – 96 in (244 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 4–9; average annual extreme minimum from -30°F (-34.4°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- moderate
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: June, July.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Native to eastern US woodlands. Needs acidic, well-drained soil. Slow growing but long-lived. Toxic if ingested.
Pruning
Deadhead spent flowers to promote next year's bloom. Minimal pruning needed.
Fertilizer
Acidic (for acid-loving plants)
After flowering
Mulch
3 inches of pine bark or pine straw.