Kalmia latifolia 'Sarah'
sarah mountain laurel
Eastern North America (Maine to Florida, west to Louisiana)
Overview
Kalmia latifolia 'Sarah' is a compact to medium, evergreen shrub reaching 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) tall with a spread of 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m). This cultivar produces the most intensely red-colored flowers in the mountain laurel series: deep red buds open to flowers that retain a strong red to red-pink tone—deeper than 'Olympic Fire' which fades to deep pink. Individual flowers are 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across, in dense terminal corymbs 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) wide. The red coloring persists longer through the bloom period than in other red-budded cultivars. The glossy, dark green, leathery, elliptic, evergreen leaves are 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long. Requires acidic soil. All parts are toxic. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Hardy to zone 5.
Native Range
Kalmia latifolia is native to eastern North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Louisiana, in rocky, acidic, forest understory and mountain slopes.Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland gardens, shade borders, and mixed evergreen plantings at 4–5 foot (1.2–1.5 m) spacing. The most intensely and persistently red-flowered cultivar in this collection—use where the deepest flower color is the priority. The medium size (4–6 feet) is between the dwarf cultivars (3–4 feet) and the full-size types (5–8 feet). All parts are toxic. Requires acidic soil. Not suitable for alkaline soils, dry sites, or full sun in hot climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years
Bloom Information
Deep red buds open to red to red-pink cup-shaped flowers 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) across, in dense terminal corymbs 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) wide, from late May through June. The red color persists longer through the bloom period than other red-budded cultivars. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep red buds opening to red to red-pink; cup-shaped 0.75-1 inch; persistent red color; corymbs 4-5 inchesFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, leathery, elliptic, 3-5 inches; evergreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade to full shade in acidic (pH 4.5–6.0), moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Hardy to zone 5. Mulch with acidic material. The red flower color is slightly deeper in partial shade than in deep shade. Does not tolerate alkaline soils, drought, or waterlogging. Lace bugs can be problematic in full sun.Pruning
Deadhead spent flower clusters after bloom by snapping off below the corymb. Minimal shaping needed. Avoid heavy pruning—mountain laurels regenerate slowly from old wood.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons