- Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)
- Mature Height 8 - 10 Feet
- Mature Spread 8 - 10 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
The red blooms of Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel are the perfect transition between the late spring blooming bulbs and the summer blooming perennials. The broadleaf evergreen leaves provide a dramatic backdrop for the deep red blooms as well as year round interest in the shadier garden. Mountain Laurel is native to North America and likes shadier spots better than other broadleaf evergreens, but will also tolerate sun.
Maintenance is minimal with this native shrub. The nectar of Mountain Laurel attracts many different beneficial pollinators. Berries will form after pollination, but they are not very significant. Please be aware that all parts of this shrub are poisonous to pets and people. Kalmia ‘Kaleidoscope’ should be planted where it is not easily accessible by pets or children.
Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel Care
Mountain Laurel is not fussy about soil texture or light. Either a sunny or shady position is fine. Kalmia prefers acidic soil of 4.0-6.8 pH, and a consistently moist, well drained soil. Mulching may be necessary to keep Kaleidoscope damp, especially during the hottest parts of summer. Fertilizing is rarely needed with varieties of native plants. If blooming has reduced or the color of the evergreen leaves has lightened, an application of an acid plant fertilizer can be done in the early spring before the flower buds emerge.
A quick deadheading of the blooms as they fade is all the pruning needed on an annual basis. When a rejuvenating pruning is needed, it must be done after the blooming has finished. Kalmia latifolia blooms on old wood. A winter mulching in the colder hardiness zones will help protect Mountain Laurel from the cold and winds of winter.
Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel Spacing
Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel will reach a height of 8-10 feet and width of 8-10 feet. The proper spacing when planting is 9 feet on center. This will give the shrubs good air circulation and help to protect from outbreaks of mildew or fungal diseases.
Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Full Sun |
Mature Height: 8 - 10 Feet |
Mature Spread: 8 - 10 Feet |
Spacing: 8 - 10 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Red |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Hedges & Privacy, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: KALMIA LATIFOLIA `KALEIDOSCOPE` |
- SKU:
- 1000341-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.
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.