shrubN. America Native

Sarah Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia 'Sarah'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Kalmia latifolia, or Mountain Laurel, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to eastern North America, prized for its beautiful, cup-shaped spring flowers and glossy foliage. 'Sarah' is a standout cultivar celebrated for its vibrant, deep red buds that open to rich pinkish-red flowers, offering a much stronger color than the species.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides spectacular, multi-toned spring blooms and glossy evergreen foliage for year-round interest. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for foundation plantings and mixed borders.

Its dense growth habit can be used for low, informal screening in woodland or shady areas. Being deer resistant, it is a reliable choice for landscapes with high deer pressure.

The flowers provide an important source of nectar for native bees and other pollinators in late spring. The dense evergreen foliage offers shelter for birds and small wildlife during winter.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Amend soil with compost and peat for acidity and drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Plant the crown slightly above the soil line.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-inch layer of acidic mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage and acidic soil; amending with peat moss and pine bark helps it thrive.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Use an acidic fertilizer in early spring.
Mulch with pine needles or shredded bark to protect roots.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote vegetative growth.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which reduces flowering.
Don't let the soil dry out completely, especially in summer.
Never use lime near the plant as it raises soil pH.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant woodland garden accentEvergreen foundation plantingStunning mass planting on slopes

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Azalea Pieris japonica Fothergilla gardenii Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sarah Mountain Laurel questions

What zones can Sarah Mountain Laurel grow in?

Sarah Mountain Laurel is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sarah Mountain Laurel deer resistant?

Yes — Sarah Mountain Laurel is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Sarah Mountain Laurel bloom?

Sarah Mountain Laurel typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sarah Mountain Laurel need full sun?

Sarah Mountain Laurel does best in part shade.