Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
A heavily blooming, tall, shade loving shrub is hard to find. Carol Mountain Laurel is that shrub. Masses of deep rose pink blooms late in the spring is the perfect transition to summer. Kalmia latifolia is at home in a shady woodland setting . It is native to most of North America and the state flower of both Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Carol Mountain Laurel is a great variety to add to any garden.
Mountain Laurel is a great attractor of butterflies and native bees. The deep rose flower buds are as beautiful closed as they are open, when they expose the white flower inside. The dark, evergreen leaves remain attractive after the blooms are finished.
Carol Mountain Laurel Care
Mountain Laurel prefers a rich woodland soil that can be on the acidic side of the pH scale. Well drained soil is as important as regular irrigation. During extended hot or dry periods, extra irrigation may be necessary. Full sun at the edge of a woodland setting is the preferred siting for this Native cultivar. When planted in upper levels of the hardiness zone, part shade in the afternoon is important.
Pruning is best done after blooming has finished. Any fertilizing can be done at the same time. A slow release, balanced fertilizer once a year is all that is needed. Kalmia is considered a good plant for fire resistance. It can be planted as a hedge as one layer of fire resistant landscaping.
Carol Mountain Laurel Spacing
Carol has a slightly more compact size than other Mountain Laurels. Height of 6-10 feet and width of 6-10 feet. When planted as a hedge, spacing should be 8-10 feet on center. When used as a specimen plant space other plants at least 24 inches from the base in all directions.
Carol Mountain Laurel Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 6-10 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 8-10+ Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Raspberry Pink
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring to Early Summer
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Carol Mountain Laurel
- Botanical Name
- KALMIA LATIFOLIA 'CAROL'
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!