Description
K. latifolia – Calico Bush – Mountain Laurel – This dense, bushy shrub found from Eastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico grows 5-12’ feet tall and wide. It produces alternate, leathery, oval to elliptic-lance shaped, leathery, glossy, dark green leaves with paler undersides, to 5” long. From late spring to midsummer, it bears large corymbs, 3-4” or more across, of bowl or cup shaped, pale to deep pink, or occasionally white flowers, ¾-1” wide, emerge from distinctive crimped, often dark pink or red buds. May take several years to recover from hard pruning.
‘Elf’ – is a dwarf compact species growing 3’ feet tall and wide with small leaves, 1 ¼” long, and white flowers emerging from pale pink buds
Grow in lime free, moist, humus rich, slightly acidic soil in partial shade or in sun where soil remains reliably moist. Mulch annually in spring with leaf mold or pine needles.
zones 5-9
