(📸 MK Lascelle)

The last time I wrote about Mountain Laurels was about four years ago, when I was complaining about a chronic shortage of this beautiful ornamental shrub. I had just stumbled upon and purchased the entirety of one wholesale nursery’s supply and was elated to have them back in stock. Sadly, once they were sold, there were no new plants to take their place, and these turned out to be the last Mountain Laurels that we have been able to offer since then. The problem turned out to be a shortage of liners that seems to have finally resolved itself, as I found several nurseries offering them this fall and quickly secured some nice 2-gallon plants, with more to arrive in spring. With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about Mountain Laurels and why you might want one for your own garden. 

Where does it come from?

Despite its exotic appearance, Mountain Laurel or Kalmia latifolia is native to the eastern United States, from Maine down to Florida. It is often found growing wild in mountainous forest areas and because of this they are cold hardy down to USDA zone 5.

What soil conditions does it prefer?

Mountain Laurels are members of the Ericaceae or heather family which also includes rhododendrons and blueberries. So, it prefers evenly moist, organic soil that is definitely acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), so avoid heavy clay soils or the use of mushroom manure around them, as the latter has lime added to it and will raise the pH.

Where should I plant it?

The natural habitat for Kalmia latifolia is forested areas, so open shade or part sun are ideal exposures. They will grow and flower prolifically in full sun if the soil conditions are ideal, but they will also be subject to scorch during periods of extreme heat, which are becoming more common. The effect of a full shade exposure is simply a lack of blooms, which is the main reason to have this evergreen shrub in the first place.

Is it easy to grow?

Mountain Laurel is not considered an easy plant to grow, but by the time you purchase it the more difficult juvenile phase is behind you. Is really does best when given the ideal growing conditions which are listed above and this shrub is also a bit brittle, so plant it somewhere away from young children’s play areas and pet traffic.

When and what do I fertilize with?

Any Rhododendron & Azalea fertilizer will be fine, as it will have trace elements and soil acidifiers. Once a year in early spring (after the danger of frost has passed) is ideal and you also have an option to top dress with compost, but do not bury the stem, just cover the roots.

(📸 MK Lascelle)

Are dwarf varieties available?

Yes, there are quite a few dwarf varieties, including ‘Elf’ (white) (L), ‘Little Linda’ (pink) (M) and ‘Minuet’ (two-tone white and maroon) (R), all of which grow to about 3’ tall, compared to the average of 5-6’.

(📸 MK Lascelle)

When and where do I prune?

Kalmia latifolia grows slowly, so pruning should be minimal and is best done immediately after flowering from late spring to early summer. Spent flowers or seedheads can be deadheaded and slightly taller branches pruned down to the next whorl of leaves.

(📸 MK Lascelle)

What makes them so desirable?

In a word, it is the flowers as there is nothing quite so beautiful as a Mountain Laurel in full bloom. Even the pleated buds (which resemble hard candies) are stunning, but these eventually give way to tight clusters of streaked or two-tone blooms in shades of white, pink, raspberry-red or deep maroon.

('Ostbo Red' in Bud | 📸 MK Lascelle)

If you feel yourself developing the Mountain Laurel itch, we currently have eight varieties in stock at Amsterdam Garden Centre, including ‘Firecracker’, ‘Sarah’, ‘Elf’, ‘Snowdrift’, ‘Keepsake’, ‘Olympic Fire’, ‘Minuet’ and ‘Raspberry Glow’; but please keep in mind that supplies are still limited.

Copyright 2025 MK Lascelle