Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Firecracker Mountain Laurel, Ericaceae, or Kalmia latifolia ‘Firecracker’, is an easy-to-grow evergreen plant with glossy, leathery, oval leaves that are deep green on the surface, and yellow-ish-green underneath. Standing at a height of 30 to 36 inches, this firecracker blooms in late spring, bearing big, show clusters of dark-pink starburst buds that burst open into light-pink and white chalice-shaped blooms with burgundy throats and ten star-like points. The bright colored flowers contrast beautifully with the deep green foliage.
This elegant rhododendron relative is native to North America, and has a full, dense-but-compact form. It is a slow grower with an even spread of 18 to 24 inches, and is cold and shade tolerant to zero degrees. It is deer and critter resistant, as well as resistant to leaf spot and other common plant diseases.
Firecracker Mountain Laurel Care
Firecracker Mountain Laurel should be planted in a moist atmosphere with acidic, humus-rich soils. It does not typically grow well in clay. It thrives in partial shade and needs protection from winter sun and winds, which can cause dehydration.
You should prune your laurel in the late spring, immediately after it flowers, but only to maintain the shape you desire. Cut branches to just above a set of leaves to encourage fresh growth.
Firecracker Mountain Laurel Spacing
Firecracker Mountain Laurel should be spaced 2 feet apart from center to center. It makes an excellent foundation option, and it partners beautifully with rhododendrons and azaleas. They are fantastic for a pop of bright color in a woodland landscape. They work well in pots and containers so long as they have good drainage.
Firecracker 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 Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 1-2 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- 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
- Shiny Dark Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Firecracker Mountain Laurel
- Botanical Name
- KALMIA LATIFOLIA 'FIRECRACKER'
- 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
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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.
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