Ostbo Red Mountain Laurel

Ostbo Red Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Ostbo Red')

Ostbo Red Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Ostbo Red') is an evergreen broadleaf shrub prized for its glossy foliage and its rich, red-toned flower display in late spring that brings strong color to part-shade landscapes. Flower clusters open in rounded trusses, with deep red to rosy red tones that stand out beautifully against deep green leaves and create a bold, saturated look for shade gardens. The plant forms a dense, mounded framework that holds its shape year-round, giving woodland borders and foundation beds dependable evergreen structure. With its darker bloom color and refined habit, Ostbo Red Mountain Laurel makes an excellent focal point where you want evergreen presence plus a standout spring flowering moment.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the deeper, red-toned bloom color, which adds weight and drama to the shade garden and pairs beautifully with white azaleas, dark evergreens, and fine-textured ferns. The evergreen leaves are thick, leathery, and glossy, providing winter interest and a clean backdrop for flowers. Like all mountain laurels, it performs best in acidic, well-drained soil with organic matter, and it appreciates consistent moisture while establishing. Once settled in the right spot, it can be long-lived and dependable, offering both structure and seasonal color in filtered light.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Part shade to filtered sun; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in many landscapes.
• Soil: Acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; avoid heavy clay and waterlogged sites.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9.
• Habit: Evergreen, dense, mounded shrub with slow to moderate growth.
• Mature Size: About 6 to 8 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a specimen where deep red bloom trusses can take center stage in late spring.
• Woodland Borders: Natural fit under high canopy trees and along the edges of wooded areas.
• Foundation Planting: Evergreen structure provides year-round presence near homes and shaded entries.
• Evergreen Groupings: Combine with rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris, and hollies for layered, four-season screening.
• Shade Garden Contrast: Darker blooms add depth and contrast in beds dominated by green foliage textures.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water consistently the first season; after establishment, water during drought to prevent stress.
• Mulching: Apply an organic mulch layer to keep roots cool and conserve moisture, keeping mulch off the crown.
• Soil pH: Maintain acidic conditions; test soil and amend if needed to support long-term health.
• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to shape; avoid heavy pruning into old wood.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring with an acid-loving plant fertilizer if growth is slow or foliage looks pale.
• Site Selection: Prioritize drainage and avoid wet feet, which is the fastest way to reduce performance.

Why Choose Ostbo Red Mountain Laurel?

• Deep Red Blooms: Rich red-toned trusses create a bold spring display in part shade.
• Evergreen Structure: Glossy foliage provides year-round presence and winter interest.
• Shade-Friendly Flowering: Brings real bloom power to woodland borders and shaded foundation beds.
• Refined Landscape Presence: Dense habit works beautifully in layered shrub borders and natural screens.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Combines saturated bloom color with evergreen backbone for four-season impact.

If you want an evergreen shrub that thrives in part shade and delivers deep red bloom trusses each spring, Ostbo Red Mountain Laurel brings standout focal point color and dependable year-round structure.