Rhododendron vs mountain laurel
Close relatives in the heath family, with the same needs: acid, leafy, well-drained soil and some shade. Mountain laurel is a native of eastern North America, with crimped buds like piped icing that open into cupped flowers a week or so after the rhododendrons, and deer usually leave it alone. 'Roseum Elegans' is one of the old ironclad rhododendrons, with big rounded trusses of rosy-lilac, and grows faster. Both are highly poisonous to people and animals.
 Rhododendron 'Roseum Elegans'Rhododendron 'Roseum Elegans' |  Mountain laurelKalmia latifolia | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 8 ft tall, 8 ft wide | 8 ft tall, 8 ft wide |
| Plant | 7 ft apart | 6½ ft apart |
| Zones | 4 to 8 | 4 to 9 |
| Light | Part sun to part shade | Part sun to part shade |
| Soil | Evenly moist, rich fertility | Evenly moist, rich fertility |
| Flowers | Late May to mid June; pink, lavender | Late May to late June; pink, white, red |
| Leaves | Bold, evergreen | Medium, evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Anchor | Anchor |
| Pets | Toxic (severe) | Toxic (severe) |
| Deer | No record | Resistant |
| Native | No | Yes |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose mountain laurel for warmer gardens (to zone 9), a native garden and more wildlife.
Can they grow together?
Yes: they are recorded as partners. What mountain laurel brings beside rhododendron 'Roseum Elegans': in flower together for three weeks, from late May; medium leaves against its bold ones; happy in the same moist soil. They share part sun and part shade and zones 4 to 8.
Read more: all about rhododendron 'Roseum Elegans', and all about mountain laurel, each with a bed the planner designed around it.