- Botanical name: Kalmia latifolia
- Common name: Mountain laurel
- Family: Ericaceae
- Plant Type: Shrub, Evergreen
Pink
Green
- Key features:
- Flowers
A relative of rhododendrons, Kalmia latifolia is an evergreen shrub, bearing clusters of pale pink flowers which open from crinkled, dark pink buds. It makes a good planting companion for heathers.
For best results grow Kalmia latifolia in moist, slightly acidic soil, in full sun. Mulch annually with well-rotted leaf mould. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
How to grow Kalmia latifolia
-
Plant size
2.5m height
2m spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Back
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist / acidic
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Kalmia latifolia and wildlife
Kalmia latifolia provides shelter and habitat.
Is Kalmia latifolia poisonous?
Kalmia latifolia irritates skin, irritates eyes and causes an upset stomach. Its fruit, bark, seeds, seed capsules, foliage and sap are toxic.
Toxic to Horses
Toxic to Livestock
Toxic to People
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
Plants that go well with Kalmia latifolia
