Carousel Mountain Laurel — Kalmia latifolia 'Carousel'

Carousel Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Carousel') brings patterned flowers and evergreen structure to partly shaded gardens. Light pink buds open to white, cup-shaped blooms marked with deep burgundy splotches and stripes from late spring into early summer.

Glossy, deep green leaves emerge yellow-green in spring on a dense, mounded shrub. This selection of a North American native species suits woodland-style borders, foundation beds and specimen plantings.

Growing details

• Plant type: Evergreen shrub
• Listed height and spread: 5–8 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 6 feet apart
• USDA hardiness zones: 5–9
• Light: Part sun to part shade
• Soil: Rich, moist, acidic and well-drained
• Flowers: White cup-shaped blooms with burgundy markings
• Bloom season: Late spring into early summer
• Foliage: Glossy deep green evergreen leaves
• Cultivar: 'Carousel'

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance shrub benefits from regular watering. Mulch to help retain moisture and keep the root zone cool. Prune lightly after flowering as needed to promote bushy growth.

Use as a specimen, in groups, along borders, in foundation plantings or hedges, or in suitably sized containers. Pair with camellia, azalea or pieris where growing conditions suit each plant.

Safety: All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested.

Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.