Kalmia Latifolia
Kalmia Latifolia
Looking for an evergreen shrub fully hardy yet just that little bit more unusual,
then check out Kalmia Latifolia.
A dense bushy shrub with oval lance-shaped glossy dark green leaves, new leaves are an interesting pink/bronze shade, flowers of pink/red and white in early Summer. Also known as the Calico bush or Mountain Laurel.
Several varieties available all of which are fully hardy. Tallest is Clementine Churchill at 10ft, with rich pink flowers, Bullseye has red banded white flowers. The one chosen for our new border is Kalmia latifolia f. myrtifolia, the glossy leaves are two inches long, flowers in May/June are a pale pink. With a height of four feet, I think we have found the ideal spot in our garden for this little beauty.
Kalmia requires an acidic soil and grow well in partial shade, in northern areas plant in a sunnier position where the soil is not too dry.
Hardiness – Fully Hardy
Position – Full sun/Partial shade. Plant in a moist humus rich acid soil. Mulch in Spring with leaf mould
Height – Tallest varieties 10ft, shorter ones 3/4 ft
© 2007 – 2017, Alistair. All rights reserved.
my mum and i are looking for the laurel mentioned above and wondered if you could give us some info on it. can we buy thru post or is there somewhere you can suggest
Hi Rhona
Not sure which part of the country you live. First of all I think you should visit your local garden centres. If you live in the Aberdeen area check out Ben Reids, they are very good and if they do not have it in stock I am sure they will order it for you. It is available mail order from http://www.jacksonsnurseries.co.uk/plantcard/KalmiaLatifolia/213.aspx?gclid=CPXB6rzOmKUCFdD-2AodUxgDJQ .
Why are the leaves on my Kalmia (freckles) going brown, I live in the South Island of New Zealand, and also how often should I water it, I love it and would hate to lose it.
Hi Brenda, We just hate to lose plants especially those which we are extremely fond of. Kalmia, like Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Camellias love acidic soil, do these plants also struggle to survive in your garden, if so the soil is not acidic enough. There is a fungal disease that goes for Kalmia, check out this link http://www.bartlett.com/resources/Plant-Health-Care-Recommendations-for-Mountain-Laurel.pdf, Make sure your shrub doesnt dry out especially in Summer and pick of those brown leaves.
Have always wanted this lovely shrub, but, I thought it was too tender, if you can grow it in Scotland then I am sure it would be fine for us in the south of England, love your garden, really beautiful……..
Copes fine here Angela, very reluctant to flower though. Sure it will do very well in the south of England.