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KALMIA polifolia
Commonly known as Calico bush, Eastern bog laurel
Bright rose-purple flowers in terminal clusters
Further Reading....
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EvergreenGlossy, dark-green leaves to 4cm (1½in) long in opposite pairs or whorls of 3.
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Shades of pinkAll shades of pink through to Carmine (red)Rose purple
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Height60cm (24in)
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Spread90cm (36in)
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Dwarf shrubTypically only grows to a maximum of one or two feet in height but there will be some exceptions.Small, sparsely-branched shrub.
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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 polifolia
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Additional FeaturesPests & DiseasesNonePlace of originCanada, northeastern USA.Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Flower ShapeRacemes2.5-4cm (1-1½in) across of up to 12 flowersSaucer-shaped1-2cm (½-¾in) across
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Garden Location/ConditionsSuitable for small gardens
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeLinear
(see photos above) Oblong(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 5Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
RHS group 8Renovate over several seasons -
Seasonal InterestSpring
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Soil ConditionsAcid / ericaceous lovingFertile moist well-drained soilHumus-rich. Requires consistently moist soil. Mulch annually with leaf mould in spring.
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Toxic - Category CHarmful if eaten(People & Pets)
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WildlifeBee friendly
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Kalmia - Growing Guide
60cm (24in)
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90cm (36in) |

KALMIA angustifolia 'Rubra'
Sheep laurel, Lamb kill
Available from £17.50

KALMIA latifolia
Calico bush, Mountain laurel
Available from £25.00

KALMIA latifolia 'Ostbo Red'
Calico bush, Mountain laurel
Available from £17.50

KALMIA latifolia 'Carousel'
Calico bush, Mountain laurel
Available from £17.50
Buy Varieties of KALMIA polifolia

KALMIA polifolia 'Newfoundland'
Calico bush, Mountain laurel
narrow leaves and bright rose-pink terminal clusters of 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