Star Burst Mountain Laurel

Star Burst Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Star Burst')

Star Burst Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Star Burst') is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for glossy foliage and a late spring flower display that looks crisp, detailed, and dramatic in part shade. Clusters of pale pink buds open into white, cup-shaped blooms marked with a bold cinnamon-maroon to deep red starburst pattern, giving the plant a high-contrast look that reads from across the garden. Its dense, mounded habit holds structure year-round, making it a strong choice for woodland borders, foundation beds, and mixed evergreen groupings. When planted in the right soil and light, Star Burst Mountain Laurel becomes a dependable focal point that combines evergreen backbone with a spring show that feels truly special.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the patterned bloom, with white petals highlighted by a pronounced starburst band that adds depth and definition to every flower truss. The bud stage adds extra interest before peak bloom, extending the seasonal display and creating a layered, multi-tone effect across the shrub. Thick, leathery leaves stay dark green and glossy through the seasons, providing winter presence and a clean backdrop for flowers. Like all mountain laurels, it performs best in acidic, well-drained soil with organic matter, and it rewards good drainage and consistent moisture during establishment with long-term landscape reliability.

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 5 to 6 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a specimen where the starburst flowers 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: Patterned blooms add crisp definition 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 protect from harsh, drying winter winds in exposed locations.

Why Choose Star Burst Mountain Laurel?

• Starburst Bloom Pattern: White flowers with a bold maroon to deep red star effect create standout spring detail.
• Evergreen Backbone: Glossy foliage keeps shaded beds looking finished in every season.
• Shade-Friendly Impact: Delivers strong ornamental value in filtered light and woodland settings.
• Refined Landscape Presence: Dense habit works beautifully in foundation beds and layered shrub borders.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Combines patterned spring blooms with dependable year-round structure.

If you want an evergreen shrub that thrives in part shade and delivers a crisp, high-contrast spring display, Star Burst Mountain Laurel brings focal point color, refined texture, and four-season landscape value.