Tiddlywinks is a miniature mountain laurel, reaching only about 3 feet at ten years, and the flower clusters come full-sized on it, which makes them look outsized on a plant this small. This selection of the native Kalmia latifolia holds at 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide in part shade to full shade, hardy from Zone 5 through Zone 9.
Medium to deep pink buds open to pale pink cups in late spring. Color intensity varies year to year and with exposure, running deeper in more light.
The branching is dense and well-formed rather than leggy, and the small glossy dark green leaves contrast against red stems through winter.
The size opens up spots a full-grown laurel cannot take: a small shady corner, a foundation bed, or the front of a woodland planting. It wants acidic, moist, well-drained soil, will not tolerate standing water, and yellows in alkaline ground. Deer leave it alone.