Sierra Laurel Plant Care

Sierra Laurel (Leucothoe davisiae) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Leucothoe genus. Sierra Laurel is also known as Mountain Laurel.

Sierra Laurel displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Sierra Laurel produces small, urn-shaped white or pink flowers in drooping clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sierra Laurel every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Sierra Laurel thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Sierra Laurel in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Leucothoe davisiae tolerates temperatures of 40–70°F. Sierra Laurel prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Moist, acidic, well-draining soil with high organic content such as peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Sierra Laurel to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Sierra Laurel every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, acidic, well-draining soil with high organic content such as peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Sierra Laurel is suited to USDA Zone 11a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Sierra Laurel can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Sierra Laurel while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Sierra Laurel is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Sierra Laurel can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Sierra Laurel is susceptible to spider mites, lace bugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Sierra Laurel grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. In cooler regions, grow Sierra Laurel as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.