Sarah Mountain Laurel

The Sarah Kalmia is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that will grow to 4 or 5 feet tall and wide. The attractive glossy leaves are rich green all year round, and the pink flower buds are showy for months, through winter and early spring. They open into unique 5-sided flower cups, in dark pink with detailed white markings – a gorgeous bloom to gaze deeply into. This showy plant needs similar conditions to azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias, and grows well alongside them.

• Months of colorful red buds in winter
• Rich pink blooms open in late May
• Evergreen foliage is burgundy when it is new
• Always attractive with dark-green evergreen leaves
• Perfect companion for azaleas and rhododendrons

Morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal for the Sarah Kalmia, which also thrives in light shade, such as beside a north-facing wall or in the shadow of trees. The soil should be acidic and well-drained, but not dry. Enrich the planting area with lime-free organic material to retain moisture. Pests and diseases are rare, and deer usually don’t eat this plant. No pruning is needed, or advised. Simply remove the bloom heads as soon as they are over, without removing any leaves. This encourages more blooms for the following year.