KALMIA latifolia 'Ostbo Red'

Commonly known as Calico bush, Mountain laurel

Red buds and pale pink flowers
Further Reading....
  • Evergreen
    Oval to elliptic-lance-shaped, glossy, dark-green leaves to 12cm (5in) long.
  • Red
    Red buds
  • Shades of pink
    All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)
    Opening pink
  • Height
    1.2m (4ft)
  • Spread
    1.2m (4ft)
  • Medium shrub
    Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height
    Lax habit at first, becoming tidier with age. Dense, bushy shrub. Flowers 2-2.5cm (¾-1in) across.
  • Hardy - very cold winter
    Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F)
  • Full sun
    Where soil remains reliably moist.
  • Partial shade

KALMIA latifolia 'Ostbo Red'

 

 

  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    Wildlife plant - insects
    Pests & Diseases
    None
    Place of origin
    Canada.
    Resistant to honey fungus
    These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
  • Flower Shape
    Cup-shaped
    Or bowl-shaped.
  • Garden Location/Conditions
    Border
    Suitable for a shrub border
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • Leaf margin
    Entire
    (see photos above)
  • Leaf shape
    Elliptic
    (see photos above)
    Lanceolate
    (see photos above)
  • Pruning group
    Pruning group 5
    Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
    Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
    When: Annually after flowering.

    Renovate over several seasons
  • Seasonal Interest
    Summer
  • Soil Conditions
    Acid / ericaceous loving
    Fertile moist well-drained soil
    Humus-rich. Mulch annually with leaf mould in spring.
  • Toxic - Category C
    Harmful if eaten
    People and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, tortoises
  • Wildlife
    Bee friendly
    Rabbit Resistant
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1.2m (4ft)
Medium Shrub - guide for size not form Watering Can
  1.2m (4ft)
 

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