Why Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron Are Taking Over Social Media - Away State Journal
Mountain laurel survives 0°F and summer drought that kills most rhododendrons — same shade tolerance, same acid soil, but significantly hardier for zone 5 and colder.
Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron: What are the Differences? Mountain laurel, (Kalmia latifolia) Pennsylvania’s state flower, and rhododendron (Rhododendron linnaeus) look very similar and are often mistaken for each other. Although both belong to the heath family (Ericaceae), they are different plants that bloom during different months.
FAQs Rhododendron vs. Mountain Laurel vs. Azalea — What’s the Difference? In most neighborhoods, spring comes in shades of pink and white with azaleas, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels lining driveways like clockwork. They’ve been planted for decades, often without anyone really knowing which is which.
Mountain laurel’s leaves are smooth and a paler shade of green than their top side, while rhododendron leaves are also a paler shade of green on the Rhodendron. In the southern Appalachians, mountain laurel is merely a large shrub, while Azaleas, Mt. Laurel, and Rhododendrons are closely related plants with specific cultural requirements for successful growth.
Mountain Laurel Leaves vs Rhododendron Mountain Laurel Leaves Mountain Laurel shrub belongs to the easter part of the United States. These plants usually grow in the form of a small tree and grow around 3 feet tall. Mountain Laurels play an important role especially during the winter as they help in providing a ground cover and attract pollinators.
