Kalmia latifolia 'Tinkerbell' (mountain laurel)

Maryland DNR Deer-Resistant Plant

'Tinkerbell' is one of the smaller types of mountain laurel, reaching a mature height and spread of 4–5'. This award-winning evergreen laurel is known for being fast-growing and something of a showoff in the landscape. It has smaller leaves and heavily textured flowers that are deep pink when in bud and medium pink in flower. It is a useful foundation shrub or can be used in groups or part of an informal or native hedge. A tough plant that will grow well in acidic, rich, and well-drained soil with mostly sun to mostly shade.

Mountain laurel is native to eastern North America, where it is found in a variety of habitats, including open rocky or sandy woods, cool meadows, balds, mountain slopes, and woodland margins. The tree is a wildlife food source. Its flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Provides winter cover for birds. White-tailed deer browse the leaves and twigs during winter and early spring, but mountain laurel is resistant to damage from deer. Poisonous to humans and livestock if eaten.