Mountain Laurel Kalmia latifolia 'Pink Charm'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Pink Charm' is a captivating variety that adds a touch of elegance to any garden space. This plant boasts a dense, rounded form and is adorned with glossy, dark green leaves that are evergreen, retaining their vivid color throughout the seasons. As implied by its name, 'Pink Charm' is distinguished by its enchanting flowers, which are a delightful shade of pink. These showy blooms cluster into attractive dome-shaped groups, creating a stunning display against the foliage. Each flower within the cluster has a unique shape, with five distinct lobes that form a star-like pattern. The edges of the petals have a delicate, crinkled texture, enhancing their ornamental appeal. 'Pink Charm' flowers typically emerge in late spring and grace the plant for several weeks, sometimes continuing their show into early summer. The buds possess a deeper pink hue, which lightens as the flowers fully open, revealing a subtle gradient of pink shades that captivate the viewer's eye. This plant is admired not only for its beauty but also for the sense of tranquility that its rich, evergreen leaves and beautiful flowers add to a garden setting. It’s a wonderful choice for those who desire a touch of pink charm in their outdoor spaces without requiring significant height or width details.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Mountain Laurel, Calico Bush, Spoonwood, Ivybush.
Common names
Kalmia latifolia 'Pink Charm'
ToxicityTo humans
Mountain Laurel is considered toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and flowers, contain grayanotoxins which can interfere with normal cell function. If a human ingests part of the plant, they may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, headache, or in severe cases, heart rhythm disturbances and convulsions. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if ingestion is suspected, as poisoning can be quite serious and potentially life-threatening.
To pets
Mountain Laurel is also toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, all parts of the plant contain grayanotoxins which can lead to poisoning when ingested by animals. Symptoms in pets may include vomiting, weakness, drooling, loss of appetite, depression, difficulty breathing, and potentially life-threatening heart arrhythmias. Immediate veterinary attention is required if a pet ingests any part of the Mountain Laurel, as the consequences can be severe and can even lead to death.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Kalmia latifolia 'Pink Charm' offers striking pink flowers that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Known for being relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established.
- Evergreen Foliage: Provides year-round interest with its glossy, evergreen leaves.
- Shade Tolerance: Adapts well to shady conditions, making it suitable for woodland gardens or areas with dappled light.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it exhibits good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to many pests and diseases, ensuring robust growth with fewer chemical treatments.
- Deer Resistance: Often avoided by deer, which preserves its ornamental qualities in areas with deer populations.
- Versatile Landscaping: Can be used in a variety of landscape designs, as specimen plants, in borders, or as part of a foundation planting.
- Long Blooming Period: Produces flowers over a long period in late spring to early summer, providing extended visual interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Kalmia latifolia 'Pink Charm', commonly known as Mountain Laurel, is sometimes used in the production of honey when bees access its flowers, although the honey produced can be toxic if the nectar is derived predominately from these flowers.
- Mountain Laurel wood is hard and dense, making it suitable for use in the construction of small objects like handles, tools, and utensils that require a fine finish and durability.
- The bark of Mountain Laurel has historically been used in tanning processes, particularly for leather treatment, due to the presence of tannic acid.
- The plant's wood can also serve as useful material for carvings and intricate woodworking projects, often done by artists and craftspeople.
- Due to its twisted grain, Mountain Laurel wood has been utilized to make unique and durable rustic furniture, including chairs, tables, and bed frames.
- Mountain Laurel branches can be crafted into wreaths and other decorative items, especially due to their evergreen nature, which keeps the foliage attractive year-round.
- The dense thickets formed by Mountain Laurel can serve as a natural screen or hedge in landscaping to ensure privacy and reduce noise pollution.
- In smaller gardens, Mountain Laurel can be trained to grow as a bonsai, providing an aesthetic miniature representation of the plant.
- The sturdy stems of Mountain Laurel may also be used in basketry, woven when fresh and flexible to create decorative or functional baskets.
- During winter, the evergreen foliage of Mountain Laurel provides essential protection and shelter for wildlife, supporting the ecosystem where it grows.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMountain laurel is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMountain laurel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Kalmia latifolia, commonly known as Mountain Laurel, is often associated with protection in folklore due to its tough, evergreen nature, implying that it can withstand harsh conditions.
- Success: The beautiful flowers of the 'Pink Charm' variety may signify success and achievement, as the plant blooms with vibrancy against the backdrop of its dark, glossy leaves.
- Beauty: Mountain Laurel is renowned for its stunning flowers, and as such, it often symbolizes beauty and splendor.
- Tranquility: The evergreen aspect of Mountain Laurel suggests a sense of peace and calm, offering a symbolic representation of tranquility.
- Caution: Despite its beauty, Mountain Laurel is toxic, so it can also serve as a symbol of caution, reminding us that not everything beautiful is safe to approach or consume.
WaterMountain laurel, including the 'Pink Charm' variety, prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; this often translates to about once a week during the growing season, depending on climate conditions. In terms of amount, provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session for an established plant, ensuring you're watering the base and avoiding wetting the foliage which can promote disease. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows and the soil naturally retains moisture longer. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightMountain laurel 'Pink Charm' thrives in partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is one that receives filtered sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too much shade can reduce flowering. Ensure that the plant is protected from the intense midday sun, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureMountain laurel 'Pink Charm' is hardy and can withstand temperatures ranging from about -20°F to 100°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F. Although it can survive in colder temperatures, it's important to avoid sudden frost after new growth has begun in the spring, as this can damage the plant.
PruningPrune mountain laurel 'Pink Charm' to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Pruning is best done immediately after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer, to avoid cutting off next year's buds. Lightly trim the plant to encourage bushier growth and remove any crossing branches to maintain good air circulation. Pruning every year or every other year will help keep the mountain laurel looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain laurel 'Pink Charm' thrives in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. The best soil mix should consist of peat moss, sand, and part pine bark for aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingMountain laurels, including 'Pink Charm', don't require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pots.
Humidity & MistingMountain laurel 'Pink Charm' prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate drier air, especially if protected from strong winds and provided with adequate moisture at its roots.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, acidic soil, and monitor water.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, acidic soil, and mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleKalmia latifolia 'Pink Charm', commonly known as Mountain Laurel 'Pink Charm', starts its life as a seed, which germinates in well-drained soil with some acidity and shade. The seedling stage follows, where the young plant establishes itself, growing slowly and developing a deep root system. As it transitions into the juvenile stage, the plant develops woody stems and evergreen foliage, gradually maturing over several years. The mature Mountain Laurel 'Pink Charm' reaches reproductive maturity, producing clusters of pink flowers in late spring to early summer, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of its fruit, a dry capsule containing numerous seeds. Once the seeds are dispersed, the cycle can begin anew if they find suitable conditions for germination. The mature plant can live for many years, going through the flowering and seed production cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Kalmia latifolia 'Pink Charm', commonly known as Mountain Laurel, can be propagated most effectively through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method usually takes place during the late summer, after the plant has completed its active growth phase and the new stems have partially matured. To propagate through this method, take a cutting of a semi-hardwood stem that is 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) long, making sure there are several healthy leaves on the cutting. The cut end of the stem should then be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept under high humidity conditions and at a consistent temperature of around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24°C), allowing a few weeks to a few months for rooting to occur before transplanting it into the garden.
