Stoplight Mountain Laurel — Kalmia latifolia 'Stoplight' (Native Evergreen Shrub)

Stoplight Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Stoplight') is one of the most dramatic and garden-worthy of all native evergreen shrubs — a multi-stemmed native evergreen shrub with a dense, upright mounded habit and exceptionally handsome glossy dark green foliage that provides year-round structure and beauty, producing in late spring into summer a spectacular display of showy flower clusters in which intensely bright red buds open to reveal elegant white cup-shaped flowers dramatically banded with dark red, creating a striking two-toned floral effect that is unique among flowering shrubs. Native to the Eastern United States, Mountain Laurel thrives in part shade and moist, rich, well-drained acidic soils — conditions that naturally occur at the edge of woodlands and beneath the canopy of taller trees, making it an ideal companion for rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias in the shaded native or woodland garden. Mulch to retain moisture and keep the root zone cool. Prune lightly after bloom to encourage bushy growth. Hardy to Zone 5. Note: all parts of Kalmia are highly toxic if ingested; plant thoughtfully in gardens visited by children or pets.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Prune lightly after bloom. Watch for scale, borers, lace bugs, and whiteflies.
LANDSCAPE USES: Specimen or Mass Plantings, Borders, Wildlife Gardens, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Camellia, Azalea, Pieris

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.