Nipmuck Mountain Laurel

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

The glossy evergreen foliage and brilliant red flower buds of Nipmuck mountain laurel bridge the gap between spring-blooming bulbs and summer perennials while providing 12 months of interest to the garden. The long-lasting, deep red buds open into striking pale pink flowers that last for weeks, providing native pollinators an early source for nectar. Kalmia latifolia The glossy, deep-green foliage looks fresh for a full 12 months and provides plenty of shelter and protection for birds and other small animals. ‘Nipmuck’ is a compact and smaller cultivar that is perfect for growing as a foundation plant or a low-growing hedge in smaller yards.

Mountain laurel is a great choice to plant in shadier spots of the garden. Deer rarely browse on mountain laurel because all parts of the plant are toxic. Mountain laurel is easy to care for once it is established in the landscape. Nipmuck mountain laurel grows well in USDA zones 4-8 with no extra care over the winter.

Nipmuck Mountain Laurel Care

Mountain laurels require highly acidic soil with a pH ~5.0 or less to thrive. A location in bright shade or partial shade will encourage the best blooming and deep leaf color. Full sun exposure may scorch the leaves and weaken the shrub over time. Nipmuck grows well in average soil with good moisture retention. Annual mulching with organic material such as compost, finely shredded leaves, or arborist chips will help the soil stay cool and retain moisture, while also suppressing weeds through the growing season. 

Prune Nipmuck mountain laurel lightly after flowering in the spring to maintain a compact and manageable shape. Cut the spent flowers back to a group of leaves, ensuring that no bare stems are left on the plant. Mountain laurel takes time to recover from hard pruning. Any pruning needs to be completed by early summer, so the wounds can heal before freezing temperatures arrive in the fall.  

Nipmuck Mountain Laurel Spacing

Nipmuck is a very compact variety of mountain laurel, reaching a height and width of 6-8 feet. Shrubs will need 6 feet of space from center to center when planting a hedge. Mountain laurel can be underplanted with herbaceous perennials and bulbs to create an ever-changing display of color. Place plants at least one foot away from the bottom branches of more mature shrubs.