Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia, Ericaceae

Zones

4–9

Layer

Shrub

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Slow

Guild Roles

Beneficial Insect Habitat

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (optimal)Full Shade (tolerated)

Water

Moderate

Soil pH

4.5 – 6

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Marginal Wood FernDryopteris marginalis

Shade ProvisionNutrient Accumulation

SpicebushLindera benzoin

Shade ProvisionNurse Plant

Antagonistic Plants

Red Twig DogwoodCornus sericea

Both have shallow root systems and mountain laurel may be sensitive to dogwood's allelopathic compounds

Korean Spice ViburnumViburnum carlesii

Korean spice viburnum may compete for light and potentially produce compounds affecting mountain laurel

Male FernDryopteris filix-mas

Mountain laurel's toxic compounds and acidifying leaf litter can suppress wood fern growth.

Ostrich FernMatteuccia struthiopteris

The allelopathic effects of mountain laurel can inhibit ostrich fern establishment in shared habitats.

Common ManzanitaArctostaphylos manzanita

Both ericaceous shrubs produce allelopathic compounds that can interfere with each other's growth.

Silky DogwoodCornus amomum

Mountain laurel's toxic compounds can inhibit dogwood growth and establishment.

Lady FernAthyrium filix-femina

Mountain laurel produces grayanotoxins and other allelopathic compounds that can inhibit fern growth and establishment.

Uses

Functions

OrnamentalWildlife Habitat

Common Questions

What zones does Mountain Laurel grow in?

Mountain Laurel grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.

What are good companion plants for Mountain Laurel?

Good companions for Mountain Laurel include Marginal Wood Fern, Spicebush.

Design guilds with Mountain Laurel and see companion relationships visually.

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