Shrub
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
Flowers of Mountain Laurel
Features
Clusters of white to rose-pink flowers in late spring and early summer; (broadleaf) evergreen foliage.
Culture
Full sun to shade; moist, well-drained soils; requires acid soil.
Cultivars
Numerous cultivars available. Check local nurseries for cultivars available in your area.
Mature Height
7-10 Feet
Size
Medium
Mature Width
7-10 Feet
Mature Form
Rounded to broad spreading
Native To:
United States
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Tolerance
Soil Compaction
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Shade
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Uses
Border
Massing
Naturalizing
Specimen
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Leaf spot, scale and borers can occur occasionally. In zone 5, winter burn of evergreen foliage can occur unless plant receives some shade in winter.
Additional Notes
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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