Snowdrift Mountain Laurel

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-6 Feet

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Kalmia Latifolia Snowdrift, aka Snowdrift Mountain Laurel, is a beautiful broadleaf evergreen shrub that is underused in the landscape. The snow white flower trusses appear in late spring, although the exact timing depends on your climate. The shiny dark green leaves contrast the white flowers perfectly and remain all winter long. This is an outstanding compact shrub if you have a good place for it.

Snowdrift is a dwarf form of mountain laurel that reaches 5 - 6 feet high and wide. It has a dense, bushy, mounded form that works equally well in foundation plantings, hedges, and accent placements. It attracts butterflies, bees and songbirds. This mountain laurel is cold hardy to zone 5, and resistant to rabbits and deer. Note that all parts of this plant are poisonous to humans and animals. 

Snowdrift Mountain Laurel Care

Snowdrift Mountain Laurel will grow best in full to partial sun, with less than 4 hours a day of direct sun; it appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates. It requires acidic soil, preferably in the pH range of 5.1-5.5. The soil should be moist, cool and well drained with plenty of organic matter. Do not let the soil dry out, especially in the first two years after planting. It develops drought tolerance once the roots have established. Fertilize in the spring with a formula for acid-loving plants. 

Prune Snowdrift after blooming to shape and reduce its size. These shrubs bloom on old wood and are slow growers, so prune lightly and early in the growing season. 

Snowdrift Mountain Laurel Spacing

Plant shrubs 4 to 6 feet apart, depending on how tight you would like the spacing between plants. For mass planting, provide each shrub with at least 5 feet of space to ensure good air circulation and enough room to reach their mature size.