Stoplight Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia ‘Stoplight’) excites the eye with striking red buds that open to reveal white petals enhanced by a vivid red band. This late spring to early summer show captures attention against the shrub’s glossy evergreen leaves, setting it apart from more traditional landscape choices. With a mature size of roughly 8 to 10 feet in height and 6 to 8 feet in width, it delivers strong color accents without taking over the space. The dramatic two-tone blooms lend a bold spark to partially shaded gardens, while the glossy foliage offers year-round appeal. Deer-resistant and slow-growing, this Mountain Laurel stands as a conversation piece for gardeners who want distinctive color in a tidy package.
Stoplight Mountain Laurel prospers in cooler, moist woodland settings or shaded borders, thanks to its preference for acidic, well-drained soil. Its dense, mounded form provides structure among mixed shrub beds and adds texture in foundation plantings or alongside shade-loving perennials. Beyond aesthetics, this cultivar’s adaptable nature rewards gardeners with minimal upkeep and strong disease resistance. Whether you’re creating a standalone focal point or filling a dappled understory, it remains a low-maintenance evergreen sure to deliver eye-catching color.
Stoplight Mountain Laurel Care
Select a location with partial sun to partial shade, ideally protected from the intense afternoon rays that could scorch the foliage or blossoms. Amend the planting site with organic matter and ensure the soil is acidic, moist, and well-drained—pooling water can harm the shallow root system. Water regularly during establishment, supplying consistent moisture without creating soggy conditions. Lightly feed in early spring with an acid-friendly fertilizer if needed, and spread mulch around the base to keep roots cool and reduce weeds. Keep an eye on soil pH, as Mountain Laurels may struggle in alkaline conditions.
Routine pruning typically involves removing any dead or damaged branches after flowering concludes. Light shaping is optional—just avoid cutting into older, thicker branches to maintain the shrub’s natural appearance. If you’re growing it in a container, be sure to refresh the potting mix every couple of years and provide moderate pruning to discourage leggy growth. In colder climates, providing a windbreak or extra mulch can help guard against harsh weather.
Stoplight Mountain Laurel Spacing
When planting a hedge or a series of these laurels, allow at least 5 to 6 feet between shrubs to accommodate their mature spread. For individual specimens, spacing of 6 to 8 feet or more showcases each plant’s distinctive colors and form. In containers, pick a pot at least 14 to 16 inches wide and adjust to larger sizes as the root ball grows over time.
- SKU:
- 1231020340-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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
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
2.5 Quart
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
#1 Pot
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
#2 Pot
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
#3 Pot
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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