- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours of 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 (At Least 3 Hours of 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: |
| Foliage Type: Evergreen |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: N/A |
| Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Containers |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance, Native to North America, Award Winner |
| Brand: |
| 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 Know 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 Know 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 Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 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 Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know 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 Know 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 Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
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
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
