- Partial Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 2 - 3 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Kalmia latifolia 'Elf' is a cultivar of mountain laurel that is prized for its small size and compact habit, making it suitable for use in small gardens or as a foundation plant. It has glossy, dark green leaves and produces clusters of pink flowers in the spring. The 'Elf' cultivar is particularly desirable due to its dwarf size, with mature plants reaching only 2-3 feet in height and spread. This cultivar stands out among mountain laurels due to its small size and profuse flowering, making it a valuable addition to any landscape!
In addition to its small size and attractive flowers, Elf Mountain Laurel has many other desirable features. The plant has a moderate growth rate and a mounded, compact growth habit. It is an evergreen, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the year, providing year-round interest in the landscape. It is generally disease resistant and is not particularly attractive to deer, making it a good choice for rural areas. It is native to the eastern United States, specifically the Appalachian Mountains, and can be used in various garden settings, including mass plantings, borders, and hedges, as well as in containers. Its compact size and attractive flowers make it especially popular in small gardens or as a foundation plant. This plant is also drought tolerant and low maintenance, making it a good choice for gardeners with busy schedules or areas with limited water resources.
Elf Mountain Laurel Care
Elf Mountain Laurel is a relatively easy plant to care for and can thrive in various conditions. When planting, choose a location that provides evenly moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic soil. This broad-leaf evergreen grows best in open shade or in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Protecting this plant from hot, direct sunlight is important, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. It is important to water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells, to ensure that the soil remains evenly moist. Fertilizing is unnecessary, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to promote new growth.
Pruning is generally unnecessary for this laurel, as it has a naturally compact growth habit. However, if desired, prune this plant lightly in late spring after flowering to remove spent flowers and any damaged or diseased branches. You can also prune the plant to maintain its size and shape at this time. When pruning, use clean, sharp shears and cut just above a leaf bud or branch junction. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's foliage at a time, as this can stress the plant and reduce its overall health.
Elf Mountain Laurel Spacing
Space plants 2 to 4 feet apart for mass plantings or hedges. For container growing, choose a large pot to accommodate the plant's root system and ensure the drainage is good. A pot diameter of 20 inches is recommended. When planted in a container, use a well-draining potting mix and water the plant regularly.
Elf Mountain Laurel Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 2 - 4 Feet |
| Spacing: 2 - 4 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): White |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: N/A |
| Foliage Type: Evergreen |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: N/A |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: N/A |
| Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: N/A |
| Uses: Borders, Containers |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance, Native to North America, Award Winner |
| Brand: N/A |
| Common Name: Elf Mountain Laurel |
| Other Name(s): Elf Mountain Laurel |
| Scientific Name: Kalmia lat. 'Elf' |
- SKU:
- 1231001322-pc
Container Sizes
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
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
2.5 Quart
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
#1 Pot
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
#2 Pot
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
#3 Pot
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations