Kalmia latifolia 'Keepsake' - Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia 'Keepsake' - Mountain Laurel

DESCRIPTION

Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia 'Keepsake'

Raspberry-red buds open into burgundy flowers edged in white. As the flowers fade, lush bronzy-red foliage erupts from the stems and matures to an interesting bluish sheen. Native shade-loving plant. Substantial and attractive late spring bloom. Perfect as a specimen, along a foundation or for grouping along a shady border. Tolerates rough soil

Benefits

Native shade loving plant
Substantial and attractive late spring bloom
Perfect as a specimen, along a foundation or for grouping along a shady border
Tolerates rough soil
Burgundy flowers edged in white

NATIVE INFO

Native Range

Rocky woods and cliffs; southeastern Maine to southern Ohio, south to southeastern Louisiana and western Florida.

Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)

INTERESTING FACTS

Mountain laurel has unique cupped flowers with each stamen held under tension in a tiny dent in the petal. When the stamens are brushed by a bee or other pollinator, they spring up and coat the insect with pollen which he carries with him to the next flower.

GROWING TIPS

Plant in light shade with some sun for best flowering and best flower color development, especially with pink and red-flowered cultivars. Generally prefers well-drained, acid soil and will withstand drought. Does not tolerate heavy soils or poor drainage. Plant in raised beds if your soil does not drain well. Protection from winter sun and wind may be beneficial in northern climates to keep the foliage looking good through winter. Prune immediately after flowering in late spring by cutting branches to just above a set of leaves.

Mature Size: 4-5' Tall x 5-6' Wide

Hardiness Zone: 5-9

Sun Exposure: Part Shade

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American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose

Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:

Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted

Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success

Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.

When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.

A Special Note About Exposure

Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download

Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download

Best Plants for Birds - Double sided printout for download