‘Carol’ Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia ‘Carol’
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 4a-8b (9?) Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Evergreen Flowering Shrub
Height at Maturity: 6-10′
Width at Maturity: 6-10′
Spacing: 5′ for solid hedges; 12’+ for space between plants
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Bright Red buds open to White flowers sometimes blushed with shell pink
Flower Size: 2″
Flowering Period: Mid to Late Spring
Flower Type: Single, in large clusters
Fragrant Flowers: No
Foliage Color: Dark Green
Fragrant Foliage: No
Berries: No
Berry Color: NA
Sun Needs: Part Shade to Shade, All-Day Filtered Sun, Morning Sun with Afternoon Shade; avoid direct afternoon sun in hot climates
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, Sand, Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained
Soil pH: 5.0 – 6.0 (Acid)
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Butterflies, Visual Attention
Resistances: Heat, Humidity, Insect, Shade
Description
A wonderful North American Native evergreen flowering shrub, the ‘Carol’ Mountain Laurel is an upright selection to 6 to 10 feet tall and wide making it a perfect selection as a specimen or natural hedge. In mid to late spring abundant clusters of very unique and vibrant bright red buds that are equally as a attractive as the pure white flowers they open to, which are sometimes blushed with pink. May tolerate full sun in cooler climates of USDA Zone 7 and further north but will appreciate some filtered sun or shade in hot areas of zone 8. That said, we think mountain laurels just look better and are more at home in a partially shaded natural environment. This is one of those plants that will have you always looking forward to spring!
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing 6 to 10 feet tall and wide, the ‘Carol’ Mountain Laurel is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings, or as a natural hedge in partially shaded landscape and woodland borders. As this one grows taller lower branches can be removed to form a very attractive small evergreen tree. Plant this one near outdoor living spaces and paths where the flowers can be enjoyed from close up. Very nice near garden ponds, streams and other bodies of water. A fine addition to woodland gardens and native plant gardens.
Spacing: 5-6′ for solid hedges; 12′ or more for space between plants
Growing Preferences
Mountain Laurels are easy to grow in a moist but well-drained acidic soil of average fertility and part shade. They don’t like a constantly wet or dry soil. Provide supplemental water during periods of summer drought to maintain a moist soil, but not waterlogged. Though they will tolerate full sun in cooler climates of Zone 7and further north, they will appreciate shade or filtered sun during the afternoon hours. Except to remove a damaged branch they don’t require pruning. Avoid the use of harsh commercial fertilizers as they can cause the leaves to burn. Feed with an organic plant food or organic compost.
Helpful Articles
Mountain Laurels are in the Rhododendron family so plant them as you would a Rhododendron.
How To Plant A Rhododendron
How To Fertilize & Water A Rhododendron
How To Prune A Rhododendron
Plant Long & Prosper!
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