Kalmia latifolia ‘Stoplight’
Overview
Uses: Woodland borders, foundation plantings, shaded entryways, and naturalized landscapes.
Benefits: Noted for its vivid red bud clusters that remain tightly held, creating a lantern-like spring display. Glossy evergreen foliage and a compact, rounded habit make it well suited for smaller shaded gardens.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Partial Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Rounded, Upright — dense branching with clustered terminal buds.
Bloom Color: Red to Pink
Foliage Color: Dark Green
Mature Height: 3'–4'
Mature Width: 3'–4'
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
‘Stoplight’ offers a distinctive take on mountain laurel with glowing spring bud clusters that hold their color longer than traditional open blooms.
Rather than opening fully, the vivid red buds remain clustered and luminous, creating a structured, sculptural effect against dark evergreen foliage. The compact form fits comfortably into woodland gardens and shaded foundations where refined texture and year-round structure are valued.
As a selection of the native species, it blends naturally into woodland settings while maintaining a manageable size suited to modern landscapes.
Care
Mountain Laurel ‘Stoplight’ Care
Plant in well-drained, acidic soil in partial sun or light shade. Protection from harsh afternoon sun helps maintain foliage quality.
Water consistently during establishment. After establishment, maintain even moisture without allowing soil to become saturated.
Apply a slow release fertilizer in early spring if desired.
Prune lightly after the spring display if shaping is needed. Avoid heavy pruning into older wood.
Container Growing: Mountain laurel can be grown in large containers with excellent drainage and acidic potting mix. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering than in-ground plantings. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is Mountain Laurel ‘Stoplight’ for Sale Online?
Plants ship in greenhouse-grade grow pots and are well rooted prior to shipping. For current pot sizes and availability, please contact us.
How Large Does Mountain Laurel ‘Stoplight’ Grow?
This compact variety typically reaches 3–4 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded evergreen shrub suitable for smaller gardens.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
It is commonly known as Mountain Laurel or Eastern Mountain Laurel.
What makes ‘Stoplight’ different from other mountain laurels?
This selection is grown for its decorative red bud clusters, which remain tightly held and provide a longer-lasting spring display compared to traditional open-flowering varieties.
Is Mountain Laurel ‘Stoplight’ deer resistant?
Mountain laurels are generally considered deer resistant and can be combined with other deer-resistant shrubs and evergreens in woodland plantings.
Is Kalmia latifolia native?
Yes. Kalmia latifolia is native to eastern North America and is well suited to woodland and naturalized landscapes. Explore additional selections in our Native Plants of North America collection.
What soil conditions are best?
Slightly acidic, well-drained soils are ideal. Avoid alkaline or compacted soils to maintain healthy foliage and growth.
