Carol Mountain Laurel

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-10 Feet

Mature Spread

8-10+ Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

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.