August 1996
Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf
Height: 3 to 15 feet
Spread: 3 to 15 feet
Shape: Bushy
Foliage is thick and leathery with a glossy, dark green color at maturity. Large flowers bloom in summer and vary in color from pink to rose to red.
Zone: 4 to 9
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet or moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.5 to 5.5
Suggested uses for this plant include border, massing, naturalizing, foundation, screen, and specimen plant.
Easy to transplant because of its
fibrous root
system.
Place in a moist, cool location with acid soil.
When using as a foundation plant, do not plant
under a window, unless using a dwarf variety.
Mulch to keep soil moist around the plant.
Remove flower heads after fading occurs.
Susceptible to a number of insect pests,
such as
borers, scale insects, lacebug, and whitefly.
Cercospora leaf spot will be found on almost all
Mountain Laurel.
Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of KALMIA LATIFOLIA:
`Alba' has white flowers.
`Myrtifolia' and `Obtusifolia' are compact
plants that are less than 6 feet tall.
Related species:
KALMIA RUBRA has deep, pink flowers.
One of the prettiest shrubs available for
both
sun and shade locations. Native to portions of
Virginia.
Ideal for shady, naturalized settings.
The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered
through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are
available through your local Extension office or
directly from:
Virginia Tech
Extension Distribution Center
112 Landsdowne St.
Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-607 "Selecting Landscape Plants -
Broad-leaved Evergreens"
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the
Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg
Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content
Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.