Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel

Light Needs

Full Shade to Full Sun

(Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)

Mature Height

8-10 Feet

Mature Spread

8-10+ Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 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.