Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel — Kalmia latifolia 'Kaleidoscope'

Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Kaleidoscope') brings colorful flower clusters and glossy evergreen foliage to partly shaded gardens. Cinnamon-red buds open to red, cup-shaped blooms with pink markings and edging from late spring into summer.

New foliage emerges red before maturing to rich deep green. Its broad, upright mounding habit creates a substantial accent in borders, foundation beds and grouped plantings.

Growing details

• Plant type: Evergreen shrub
• Listed height and spread: 8–10 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 9 feet apart
• Listed USDA hardiness zones: 4–8
• Light: Part sun to part shade
• Soil: Rich, moist, acidic and well-drained
• Flowers: Red cup-shaped blooms with pink markings and edges
• Bloom season: Late spring into summer
• Foliage: Red new growth maturing to glossy deep green

Care and garden use

Water regularly and mulch to help retain moisture and keep the root zone cool. Provide good drainage. Prune lightly after flowering as needed to promote bushy growth.

Use as a specimen, in mass plantings, along borders, in foundation beds or hedges, or in suitably sized containers with room for its mature growth. Pair with camellia, azalea or pieris where growing conditions suit each plant.

Safety: Highly toxic if ingested.

Image credits: Prides Corner, Kalmia lat. Kaleidoscope.

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