If you see Kalmia latifolia (otherwise known as Mountain laurel) in bloom, it will probably have the same effect on you. Just look at those flowers! The glossy-leaved shrub becomes carpeted with dense clusters of small, bowl-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink or white. Many of the varieties bear flowers that are distinctly banded. Kalmia latifolia f. fuscata 'Minuet', the dwarf variety I brought home, has light pink buds that open to white flowers with a wide maroon ring inside. 'Pinwheel', on the other hand, a full-sized variety, has white-edged maroon flowers with white centers and scalloped edges. With her article, "Kalmia for the Pacific Northwest", Debra Teachout-Teashon has a gorgeous picture of one of the pink varieties; see why I found Kalmia irresistible? There's a convenient list of K. latifolia cultivars at http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/modop/0... . The size of K. latifolia varieties ranges from 3 to 10 feet tall.
I was even more taken with my new Kalmia latifolia when I discovered that it likes the same conditions as many rhododendrons; moist, humus-rich, acidic soil in partial shade (although you can grow Kalmia in the sun as long as you keep the soil moist enough). Like rhododendrons, Kalmia should not be grown in deep shade, as it won't flower well. Kalmia latifolia blooms from March through July, depending on cultivar.
Native to North America, Kalmia is the state flower of Connecticut. Kalmia microphylla, the Western laurel, is the species native to the Pacific Northwest; six inches high, it thrives in swampy, boggy ground. Marge Talt gives excellent summaries of Kalmia species in her article, "Broad-Leaved Evergreens:Kalmia", along with more photo links.
So what are the drawbacks to this splendid shrub? Not much. My nurseyman tells me that they're slow-growing. Hard pruning will set them back seriously; if you do need to renovate one, you'll need to do it over several seasons. Wind protection is a good idea. And all parts of the Kalmia plant are poisonous.
So if you're looking for a fast grower to cover an eyesore in your yard, this isn't the plant for you. But if you're looking for an evergreen shrub that's an ideal rhododendron companion with truly exquisite blooms, you'll want to add a Kalmia latifolia to your garden, too.
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