Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Also known as: Spoonwood

Mountain laurel is renowned for its distinctive pollination strategy, where its stamens build up tension and then spring forward to catapult pollen onto visiting insects. This unique method can launch pollen distances of up to 15 cm.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Mountain laurel

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1 m to 12 m

Spread

1.2 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.9 cm to 2.5 cm

Flower Color

Pink White Red

Images of Mountain laurel

Quickly Identify Mountain laurel

Terminal clusters of bell-shaped flowers with inner purple markings.

Leaves are elliptic, glossy dark green above, yellow-green beneath.

Stems exhibit crooked, gnarly appearance with distinct branching pattern.

Trunk develops distinctive shredding cinnamon bark as it matures.

Fruits are modest brown capsules, persisting into winter, measuring 3/16 inches (5 mm).

Scientific Classification of Mountain laurel

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ericales

Family

Heath

Genus

sheep laurel

Species

Mountain laurel

Planting and Growing of Mountain laurel

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

4.5-6

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Mountain laurel?

For Kalmia latifolia, it's best to aim for the soil to be evenly moist but not soggy. Using approximately 500 ml of water each time should suffice for a medium-sized plant. Ensure the water penetrates the root zone deeply without leaving any standing water.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Mountain laurel? ›

What should I do if my Mountain laurel is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Mountain laurel? ›

How to save an overwatered Mountain laurel? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Mountain laurel?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 3 to 6 hours daily

Partial sun is ideal, receiving dappled or morning light while avoiding harsh midday sun. This setup ensures Kalmia latifolia absorbs essential light for photosynthesis while staying protected from excess heat, showcasing optimal growth and vitality.

What is the best lighting condition for Kalmia latifolia? ›

How can I provide ideal lighting for Kalmia latifolia? ›

What benefits does Kalmia latifolia gain from ideal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Mountain laurel?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉

The ideal temperature range for Kalmia latifolia, also known as Mountain Laurel, is between 60°F to 70°F. This temperature range provides optimal conditions for growth, ensuring the plant can maintain healthy foliage and vibrant blooms. Within this range, the plant's physiological processes, such as photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, occur efficiently.

What Soil is Best for Mountain laurel?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Acidic soil, Loam

Soil PH: 4.5 ~ 6

Kalmia latifolia thrives in well-drained soil. Ensuring good drainage prevents root rot, a common problem in compacted or waterlogged soils, allowing the plant to grow robust and healthy. This plant prefers acidic soil with a pH range between 4.5 and 6.0. Acidity helps the plant uptake essential nutrients, fostering vibrant blooms and lush foliage. A soil rich in organic matter supports Kalmia latifolia's growth. Organic components provide essential nutrients and improve the soil structure, enhancing root development and plant health.

How to Fertilize Mountain laurel?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Kalmia latifolia, it's crucial to use fertilizers sparingly. A half dilution of a balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer is recommended to avoid nutrient burn. Apply about 1 gallon per mature bush, ensuring the soil is moist during application to aid absorption and reduce root stress.

How to Prune Mountain laurel?

Pruning Time: Spring

The best time to prune Kalmia latifolia is right after it finishes blooming in late spring. Pruning too late in the season can remove next year's blooms, as this plant sets buds for the following year shortly after flowering. To maintain size, remove any overly long or leggy branches back to a main stem or just above a leaf node. Always make cuts at a slight angle to facilitate rainwater runoff and prevent disease. For a fuller look, remove dead, diseased, or crossed branches to encourage more robust growth and allow more sunlight and air circulation, which enhances plant vigor and bloom production.

How to Propagate Mountain laurel plant?

Propagate Time: Late spring, Early summer

Collect mature seeds from established Kalmia latifolia plants during late spring. Sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with a well-draining potting mix and lightly cover. Keep seeds moist but not waterlogged.

Select semi-hardwood stems during early summer. Cut sections around 4-6 inches long. Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a potting mix.

Choose a healthy lower branch, bend it to the ground, and slightly wound the part to be buried. Secure it with a stake and cover with soil, leaving the tip exposed, to encourage rooting.

How to Repot Mountain laurel plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Kalmia latifolia shows clear signs when it needs repotting: roots protruding from drainage holes, slowed growth, and compacted soil. Ideally, early spring or summer is the best time. Avoid winter or late growing season as it stresses the plant.

Select a pot with a diameter 2 inches larger than the current one, with multiple drainage holes. This provides enough room for growth, prevents root rot, and ensures adequate oxygenation. Opt for materials like clay for better moisture regulation.

Use acidic, well-drained soil, preferably with peat, pine bark, and perlite. This composition closely mimics its natural environment, ensuring healthy root development and preventing nutrient deficiencies.

Toxicity of Mountain laurel

Is Mountain laurel toxic to humans?

Mountain laurel is an evergreen shrub highly regarded for its beautiful blooms. Every part of this plant is extremely poisonous to both humans and animals.

Is Mountain laurel toxic to cat?

Mountain laurel represents a significant hazard to the health of felines. Any part of this plant can be toxic to cats, resulting in all of its components being perilous. The toxic reactions, which occur upon ingestion, can induce considerable physical discomfort in cats. Symptoms associated with this poisoning may include gastrointestinal disturbances, potentially resulting in more severe health issues. It is crucial for cat guardians to restrict access to mountain laurel and to respond promptly by obtaining professional veterinary assistance if they suspect that their cat has consumed this plant.

Is Mountain laurel toxic to dog?

Mountain laurel presents a significant toxicity hazard to dogs. Ingesting any portion of this plant can result in poisoning. Pet owners must remain alert, as every component of mountain laurel is poisonous; dogs are at risk if they chew on the leaves, stems, flowers, or berries. Poisoning symptoms may manifest as gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, breathing difficulties, and potentially life-threatening heart arrhythmias. Given the high toxicity levels associated with mountain laurel, it is essential for dog owners to keep their pets away from this plant. If there is a suspicion that a dog has ingested any part of mountain laurel, seeking immediate veterinary care is vital for effective management of the poisoning.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.