Kalmia latifolia ‘Raspberry Glow’
Overview
Uses: Woodland groupings, shaded borders, foundation plantings, north-facing beds, native gardens.
Benefits: Burgundy-red buds open to deep raspberry-pink flowers, and the color stays rich even in shade, where many pink laurels wash out. Leaf spot resistant, dark green foliage on purplish-red stems keeps the plant clean and dense year-round.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Partial Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Upright, Rounded — dense branching on purplish-red stems.
Bloom Color: Burgundy, opening to Deep Pink
Foliage Color: Dark Green
Mature Height: 4–5 feet
Mature Width: 4–5 feet
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Summary
Deep pink flowers that stay deep pink in the shade are what set ‘Raspberry Glow’ apart.
Many pink mountain laurels bloom paler when they grow out of direct sun. ‘Raspberry Glow’ holds its color. Its burgundy-red buds swell at the branch tips in late spring and open to raspberry-pink, cup-shaped flowers in rounded clusters, a strong color for a north wall or a bed under tall trees.
The foliage is dark green and resistant to leaf spot, a disease that can spot and thin the leaves of other laurels in damp, shaded gardens. Purplish-red stems add a little color through winter. The habit is upright and dense, reaching about 4–5 feet tall and wide.
In landscape tests at the University of Connecticut, ‘Raspberry Glow’ handled difficult planting conditions well. It fits well in groups at a woodland edge or as a single shrub by the house.
Care
Mountain Laurel ‘Raspberry Glow’ Care
Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade, or bright filtered light under tall trees. In the North it handles more sun if the soil stays moist; in hotter areas, afternoon shade keeps the leaves from scorching. Deep shade means fewer flowers.
Mountain laurel needs acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It struggles in heavy clay, standing water and alkaline soil, where the leaves turn yellow. Work in compost or pine bark at planting and set the root ball slightly high in heavier ground.
Water deeply through the first growing season, then during dry spells. The roots are shallow, so a 2–3 inch layer of bark mulch or pine needles keeps them cool and moist; keep mulch a few inches off the stems.
Feed lightly in early spring with a slow release fertilizer made for acid-loving plants. Skip lime and wood ash near the roots.
Pruning is rarely needed. If you want to shape the plant, do it right after flowering, because next year’s buds form over the summer. Snapping off spent flower clusters lets the plant put its energy into new growth and next year’s buds.
Growing in Containers
This compact laurel grows well in a large container filled with an acidic potting mix made for azaleas and rhododendrons. Use a pot with good drainage holes. Containers dry out faster than garden soil, so check moisture often in summer and water when the top inch feels dry. Feed lightly in spring, since potting mix runs out of nutrients sooner than garden soil. Roots in a container are more exposed to cold than roots in the ground. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Mountain Laurel ‘Raspberry Glow’ for Sale Online?
Our Mountain Laurel ‘Raspberry Glow’ ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. In spring it may arrive with buds set. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Mountain Laurel ‘Raspberry Glow’ Grow?
‘Raspberry Glow’ matures at about 4–5 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide, with a dense, upright-rounded shape. Growth is slow, so it takes many years to reach full size.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
Kalmia latifolia goes by several common names:
- Mountain Laurel
- Calico Bush
- Spoonwood
Does ‘Raspberry Glow’ keep its color in the shade?
Yes. Its deep pink flower color develops well even out of direct sun, which is unusual among pink mountain laurels. That makes it one of the better choices for north-facing beds, shaded foundations and woodland edges where you still want strong spring color.
Is Mountain Laurel ‘Raspberry Glow’ a native plant?
‘Raspberry Glow’ is a cultivar of Kalmia latifolia, which is native to eastern North America from Maine to the Gulf Coast. That makes it a nativar: a selected form of a native species. Browse more in our Native Plants of North America collection.
Is Mountain Laurel ‘Raspberry Glow’ deer resistant?
Mountain laurel is generally considered deer resistant, and deer tend to pass over its thick, leathery leaves. Browsing pressure varies by region, and hungry deer in a hard winter may sample almost anything. For more options, see our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens collection.
What grows well with Mountain Laurel ‘Raspberry Glow’?
Mountain laurel wants the same acidic, moist, well-drained soil and dappled light as rhododendrons, so the two pair naturally. Ferns, hostas and woodland natives fill in below. For more spring color in the same bed, browse our Azaleas collection.
