Kalmia latifolia – Mountain Laurel; Calico Bush; Spoonwood

Rounded evergreen shrub. Bears showy clusters of 3/4″ diameter white or pinkish tinted flowers in the late spring. An outstandingly beautiful shrub when in flower and pleasing in other seasons with glossy evergreen foliage and picturesque form. An elegant species, with graceful, arching limbs. Forms an attractive hedge. An attractive native alternative to non-native landscaping shrubs. Slow growing and very long-lived, but begins blossoming when quite small. This plant is the state flower of Connecticut.

Plant in part sun to nearly full shade. Prefers acidic, sandy, or loamy soil. Plants will tolerate full sun if kept sufficiently moist. Mulching with wood chips and leaf litter is very beneficial in full sun. It keeps the soil evenly moist and simulates the natural forest environment where these plants are found.