Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
A spectacular native evergreen shrub that produces clusters of cup-shaped flowers in late spring, resembling delicate porcelain with intricate pink and white patterns. The glossy dark green leaves provide year-round structure while the stunning blooms make this a showstopper in woodland gardens. This tough native thrives in acidic soil where many other shrubs struggle.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Mountain Ridge Top Garden - West Meadow and Woods Mountain Ridgetop Garden - East Lawn and Lower Drive Border
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
4-15 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Mountain Laurel in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Mountain Laurel · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Mountain Ridge Top Garden - West Meadow and Woods Mountain Ridgetop Garden - East Lawn and Lower Drive Border. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Water: Andromedotoxin, a resinoid; arbutin, a glycoside, Grayanotoxins. Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 4 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet, 12-24 feet. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The plant produces 5-valved, dehiscent capsules (3/16 inch) that are non-showy and brown in color and persist into winter. Fruits are available from September to October.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Eastern U.S.A
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Compaction, Deer
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinators, Small Mammals
- +Wildlife value: It provides winter cover. Hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers. Although the foilage is toxic to domestic livestock, white-tailed deer browse the leaves and twigs during the winter and early spring.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Seeds, Stems): High severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Rhododendron
Shares similar acidic soil requirements and creates layered woodland garden structure
Azalea
Compatible acid-loving shrub with complementary bloom times and soil needs
Blueberry
Thrives in same acidic conditions and attracts beneficial pollinators
Pieris
Similar evergreen structure and acid soil preference, provides year-round interest
Ferns
Grows well in partial shade under Mountain Laurel canopy, adds textural contrast
Wild Ginger
Excellent shade groundcover that tolerates acidic soil conditions
Hosta
Thrives in filtered shade and complements evergreen foliage with broad leaves
Heather
Shares acidic soil requirements and creates attractive low-growing companion layer
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can stunt growth and damage Mountain Laurel roots
Boxwood
Prefers alkaline soil conditions opposite to Mountain Laurel's acidic needs
Clematis
Requires alkaline soil and may compete aggressively for nutrients in acidic conditions
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally resistant, occasional leaf spot
Common Pests
Lace bugs, scale insects, borers
Diseases
Leaf spot, root rot in poorly drained soils