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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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EvergreenOval to elliptic-lance-shaped, glossy, dark-green leaves to 12cm (5in) long.
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Shades of pinkAll shades of pink through to Carmine (red)
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Striped, Veined or Multicoloured
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Height3m (10ft)
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Spread3m (10ft)
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Tall ShrubDense, 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 winterHardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
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Full sunWhere soil remains reliably moist.
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Partial shade
KALMIA latifolia
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowWildlife plant - nectar and pollen for insects.Medicinal propertiesPests & DiseasesNonePlace of originEastern USA.Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Flower ShapeBowl-shapedOr cup-shaped.
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeElliptic
(see photos above) Lanceolate(see photos above) -
Seasonal InterestSummer
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Soil ConditionsAcid / ericaceous lovingFertile moist well-drained soilHumus-rich. Mulch annually with leaf mould in spring.
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Toxic - Category CHarmful if eaten(People & Pets)
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WildlifeBee friendlyRabbit Resistant
Jan
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Kalmia - Growing Guide
3m (10ft)
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3m (10ft) |
Buy Varieties of KALMIA latifolia

KALMIA latifolia 'Bridesmaid'
Calico bush, Mountain laurel
bright pinkish flowers

KALMIA latifolia 'Carousel'
Calico bush, Mountain laurel
white flowers heavily marked with bright red-purple inside

KALMIA latifolia 'Minuet'
Calico bush, Mountain laurel
white flowers with a deep red band inside


KALMIA latifolia 'Olympic Fire'
Calico bush
large red buds open to pink flowers. Wavy-edged leaves

KALMIA latifolia 'Ostbo Red'
Calico bush, Mountain laurel
red buds and pale pink flowers

KALMIA latifolia 'Snowdrift'
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