This shrub has upright tan coloured slightly furrowed twisted branches that form a compact bushy habit. It has glossy dark green oval leaves and the small cup-shaped pink-white flowers appear in clusters from late spring to mid summer.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9 

Kalmia latifolia is naturally found in eastern North America growing along woodland margins or in the understory of open forests and commonly along creeks or lake margins.

It prefers a semi-shaded to full sun, wind protected position in cool moist well-drained soils that are tending acidic and is drought tender but frost tolerant.

Mountain Laurel is grown for its bushy habit and flowers. It is planted along semi-shaded borders as a foundation plant or used for screening and it may be trim to form an informal hedge. It is suitable for coastal and mountain regions establishing in 3-5 years and is moderately long lived and under cultivation it tends to be smaller and have a more compact habit. ID 2784

Kalmia (KAL-mee-ah) latifolia (lah-tee-FOH-lee-ah)

Ericaceae (er-ek-AY-see-ee)
Bilberries, Blueberries,Cranberies, Heathers, Heaths, Rhododendrons, Wintergreens