Mountain Laurel

Scientific name

Kalmia latifolia

Description

Mountain Laurel is a broadleaf evergreen shrub species that will grow about 4 m tall. This plant may also be known by the common names: Ivy Bush, Spoonwood, Calico Bush, or American Laurel. The leaves are alternately arranged, elliptic shaped, glossy dark green coloured, leathery, and have entire margins. The flowers are rose to white coloured with purple markings, cup shaped, appear on terminal clusters, and bloom between May and June. The flowers are very showy and attractive. The flowers are beneficial for pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. All parts of this plant are highly toxic to humans if ingested.

Planting conditions

Mountain Laurel grows best in moist conditions with partial sun exposure. It can also survive in full sun or full shade but may not grow or bloom as well. It prefers well-drained, rich, humus or loam soil types. It is tolerant of acidic pH levels. It is intolerant of heavy clay soil or alkaline pH levels. Mulch is recommended to keep the roots cool and moist. This shrub can be naturally found in cool meadows, open forests, forest edges, mountain slopes, and along stream or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Humus
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 4 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m