Mountain laurel is a native plant, but can grow to 20′ or more in its natural habitat, and its lovely flowers are mostly white, with red trim. This especially showy cultivar of the native mountain laurel species is an easily manageable size, maturing at roughly 3′ around. It makes perfect for the home garden that has a bit of shade. Smaller-sized mountain laurel is easy to fit into a low hedge, in the flower garden or as an understory plant in a partially shaded woodland. Growing to 30-36″ tall with a similar spread, this evergreen shrub features unusually colored, 3-4″ clusters of white-pink flowers with prominent bright cinnamon bands. Its dark green, lustrous foliage adds year-round interest. Minuet performs best when planted in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for a woodland or shade garden, but take care to give it water during dry spells especially as it is getting established. It becomes more drought tolerant and resistant to heat and humidity as it matures. Kalmia latifolia ‘Minuet’
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Botanical Name:
Kalmia latifolia ‘Minuet’
- Form:
Shrub - Sun Exposure:
Partial Shade - Height/Habit:
30 – 36 inches - Spread:
24 – 36 inches - Spacing:
36 – 48 inches - Hardiness Zone:
5-9 - Flowering Date:
Late spring to early summer. - Planting Instructions:
More sun than shade will result in more flowers. Apply mulch to conserve moisture. Set plant at the same level it is growing at in the container. Firm soil well and water thoroughly. - Winter Care:
Apply organic mulch to maintain soil moisture. - Growth Rate:
Slow
- Flower Color:
Red - Flower Form:
Large clusters, 3-4″ across, of 1/2 – 3/4″ cup-shaped or saucer-shaped crimped flowers. - Foliage Type:
Evergreen, alternate, oval to elliptic, lance-shaped, dark green, lustrous foliage, up to 5″ long. - Pruning:
Prune to maintain desired shape and to remove dead or broken branches. After flowering. - Soil Requirement:
Well-drained, moisture retentive, cool soil. Do not allow to dry out. - Additional Information:
Kalmias are a great addition to a woodland or shade garden. Becomes more drought tolerant and resistant to heat and humidity as it matures.
