Does it need acidic soil?

Yes, it thrives in well drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter.

Light pruning after flowering helps maintain a compact shape.

Plant guide

Mountain Laurel.

Kalmia latifolia

Pronounced KAL-mee-uh lat-ih-FOH-lee-uh

Also known as Calico Bush, Calico-bush, Clamoun, Ivybush, Lambkill, Mountain Laurel, Mountain-laurel, Sheep Laurel

Mountain laurel is a stunning evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States. It is famous for its clusters of intricate, cup shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. You will love how it brings a touch of woodland elegance to your garden.

Another photo of Mountain Laurel — Photo by Michael J. Papay (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Partial shade to partial sun
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 5 to 15 feet
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant in acidic, well draining soil and keep the roots cool with a layer of mulch. Watch for leaf spot or lace bugs, which can damage the foliage if left unchecked. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but never waterlogged to keep the plant happy.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid letting the roots sit in standing water.
Feeding: Apply an acid loving fertilizer once in early spring before new growth begins.
Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to shape the shrub and remove any dead wood.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant has outgrown its container or the soil has become depleted.
Soil: Acidic, moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: 4.5 to 5.5
Temperature: -30 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.

Safety

People: The plant contains grayanotoxins which cause severe gastrointestinal distress and cardiac issues if consumed.
Pets: This plant is highly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from children because all parts are poisonous if eaten.
Contact allergens: The leaves and stems can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There is no significant evidence of airborne pollen allergies for this species.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are highly toxic if ingested by humans or animals.

How to identify it

Glossy, dark green leathery leaves
Clusters of cup shaped flowers
Distinctive pentagonal flower structure
Reddish brown exfoliating bark
Evergreen shrub habit

Height: 1.5 to 4.5m
Spread: 1.5 to 4.5m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: pink, white, rose, 2 to 3cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Lace BugCommon
Leaf SpotCommon
ChlorosisUncommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
PhytophthoraUncommon
Root RotUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from temperature fluctuations. Ensure the soil does not dry out completely during winter thaws.
In containers: It is generally not well suited for containers due to its specific root requirements and size.

Stem Cuttings

Take semi hardwood cuttings in late summer.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Place in a moist, well draining medium under high humidity.

Group with other acid loving plants to simplify soil management.

Grows well with

Rhododendron · They share similar requirements for acidic soil and partial shade.
Ferns · Ferns provide a soft textural contrast beneath the shrub.

Similar species

Rhododendron · They share similar cultural needs and evergreen foliage.

Science

Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Kalmia
Order: Ericales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern North America
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered but should never be collected from the wild.

It naturally grows in rocky, acidic woodlands and mountain slopes where it forms dense thickets.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Uses: ornamental shrub, woodland garden, pollinator habitat

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 3/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need acidic soil?: Yes, it thrives in well drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter.
Can I prune it?: Light pruning after flowering helps maintain a compact shape.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors Pehr Kalm, a Swedish botanist who explored North America, while the species name refers to the broad leaves.

Good to know

It is the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
The wood is extremely hard and was historically used for tool handles.
It belongs to the Ericaceae family, just like blueberries and rhododendrons.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.