Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Kalmia latifolia
Mountain Laurel
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 5 to 15 feet
- Width
- 5 to 15 feet
- Flower color
- Pink to white, in showy clusters
- Foliage color
- Dark green, leathery leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Partial to full shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low, prune after flowering if needed to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies
About this plant
Kalmia latifolia, commonly known as mountain laurel, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of delicate, cup-shaped flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the flowers range in color from soft pink to white, often adorned with intricate red or maroon markings. The blooms are held above glossy, dark green foliage, creating a graceful contrast that enhances its ornamental appeal.
Native to the eastern United States, mountain laurel is a cherished species in woodland and naturalistic landscapes. It has been cultivated for its beauty and adaptability, often featured in gardens for its ability to thrive in shaded areas while adding seasonal color and year-round greenery. Its cultural significance as a native plant highlights its role in the ecological and aesthetic heritage of North American landscapes.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Native Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens
Companion plants
Pieris · Hakone grass · Bamboo · Viburnum · Snowdrop · Bergenia
Design tip
Use mountain laurel to bring flowering interest into a shaded, evergreen planting. Its clusters of pink-to-white flowers rise above glossy dark green foliage in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal color while the evergreen leaves maintain structure throughout the year.
