Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Sarah Mountain Laurel, or Kalmia latifolia Sarah, is an evergreen plant with glossy, leathery, oval leaves that are deep green on the surface, and yellow-ish-green underneath. Standing at a height of 8 to 10 feet, with a spread of 6 to 8 feet, the Sarah blooms in late spring, with large, flamboyant clusters of bubblegum-pink starburst buds that burst open into light-pink chalice-shaped blooms with contrasting white stamens, and ten star-like points. These 1-inch colored flowers stand out beautifully against the vivid green foliage.
Sarah Mountain Laurel, introduced by Richard Jaynes, is native to eastern North America, and has an upright, mounding, compact growing habit. This slow grower is cold and shade tolerant to zero degrees. It’s deer and critter resistant, as well as resistant to leaf spot and other common plant diseases. It can tolerate more sun than other similar cultivars, and attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Sarah Mountain Laurel Care
Sarah Mountain Laurel should be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Plant your Mountain Laurel in acidic, humus-rich soil. It does not grow well in clay. It prefers full to partial shade and needs protection from winter sun and winds, which can cause dehydration. Your Sarah Mountain Laurel should be watered regularly and kept in moist soil.
Prune your laurel in the late spring, immediately after it flowers, but only to maintain the shape you desire. It is otherwise low-maintenance. Cut branches to just above a set of leaves to encourage fresh growth.
Sarah Mountain Laurel Spacing
Sarah Mountain Laurel should be spaced at least 4 to 6 feet apart from center to center. It makes an elegant foundation option, and it pairs beautifully with rhododendrons and azaleas. They are fantastic for a pop of vivid color in any rustic or woodland garden.” — keeps it bright and lively. They work well in pots and containers, so long as they have good drainage.
Sarah 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 Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 8-10 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 6-8 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Deep, Pinkish-Red
- 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
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Sarah Mountain Laurel
- Botanical Name
- KALMIA LATIFOLIA 'SARAH'
- 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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Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
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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