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KALMIA latifolia
Commonly known as Calico bush, Mountain laurel
Calico bush with waxy pink flowers
Further Reading....
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Evergreen - oval to elliptic-lance-shaped, glossy, dark-green leaves to 12cm (5in) long.
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Shades of pink - All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)
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Striped, Veined or Multicoloured
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Height - 3m (10ft)
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Spread - 3m (10ft)
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Tall Shrub - dense, bushy shrub. Produces flowers, 2-2.5cm (¾-1in) across, in large clusters 8-10cm (3-4in) or more across
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Hardy - very cold winter - Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
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Full sun - where soil remains reliably moist.
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Partial shade
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Harmful if eaten - These will give you an upset tummy, so please don't eat any of these.
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Additional Features - Good to know - wildlife plant - nectar and pollen for insects.
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Medicinal properties
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Pests & Diseases - none
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Place of origin - eastern USA.
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Resistant to honey fungus - These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Flower Shape - Bowl-shaped - or cup-shaped.
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Hardiness - Fully hardy
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Seasonal Interest - Summer
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Soil Conditions - Acid / ericaceous loving
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Fertile moist well-drained soil - humus-rich. Mulch annually with leaf mould in spring.
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Wildlife - Bee friendly
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Rabbit Resistant
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Kalmia - Growing Guide
3m (10ft)
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3m (10ft) |
Buy Varieties of KALMIA latifolia

KALMIA latifolia 'Bridesmaid' >
Commonly known as: Calico bush, Mountain laurel.
Bright pinkish flowers

KALMIA latifolia 'Carousel' >
Commonly known as: Calico bush, Mountain laurel.
White flowers heavily marked with bright red-purple inside

KALMIA latifolia 'Minuet' >
Commonly known as: Calico bush, Mountain laurel.
White flowers with a deep red band inside


KALMIA latifolia 'Olympic Fire' >
Commonly known as: Calico bush.
Large red buds open to pink flowers. Wavy-edged leaves

KALMIA latifolia 'Ostbo Red' >
Commonly known as: Calico bush, Mountain laurel.
Red buds and pale pink flowers

KALMIA latifolia 'Snowdrift' >
Commonly known as: Calico bush , Mountain laurel.
Smallish pure white flowers
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.20

Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.20