KALMIA polifolia

Commonly known as Calico bush, Eastern bog laurel

Bright rose-purple flowers in terminal clusters
Further Reading....
  • Evergreen
    Glossy, dark-green leaves to 4cm (1½in) long in opposite pairs or whorls of 3.
  • Shades of pink
    All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)
    Rose purple
  • Height
    60cm (24in)
  • Spread
    90cm (36in)
  • Dwarf shrub
    Typically only grows to a maximum of one or two feet in height but there will be some exceptions.
    Small, sparsely-branched shrub.
  • 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 polifolia

 
Available late spring to early summer 2025 - Spring according to the Met Office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore late spring is mid-April onwards. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
£20.00 each 
Delivery Information Available late spring to early summer 2025
plant size comparison icon 1.5 to 2 Litre
Click to see photo

 

  • Additional Features
    Pests & Diseases
    None
    Place of origin
    Canada, northeastern USA.
    Resistant to honey fungus
    These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
  • Flower Shape
    Racemes
    2.5-4cm (1-1½in) across of up to 12 flowers
    Saucer-shaped
    1-2cm (½-¾in) across
  • Garden Location/Conditions
    Border
    Suitable for a shrub border
    Suitable for small gardens
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • Leaf margin
    Entire
    		(see photos above)
  • Leaf shape
    Linear
    		(see photos above)
    Oblong
    		(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
    Spring
  • Soil Conditions
    Acid / ericaceous loving
    Fertile moist well-drained soil
    Humus-rich. Requires consistently moist soil. 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
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Kalmia - Growing Guide
60cm (24in)
 Dwarf Shrub - guide for size not form Watering Can
  90cm (36in)
  

Buy Varieties of KALMIA polifolia

KALMIA polifolia 'Newfoundland'

KALMIA polifolia 'Newfoundland'

Calico bush, Mountain laurel

narrow leaves and bright rose-pink terminal clusters of flowers

Click to view more details >
 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant - UK Delivery Only Gift-wrapping available
£20.00 each 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant

Useful extras...

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)
3 options from £3.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Grow Your Own
AFTER PLANT GROW YOUR OWN seaweed is ready to use liquid concentrate that was specially formulated be used on all edible plants.
Only £8.00

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

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Wildflower Mini Meadow
Creates a mini-meadow for attracting bees, butterflies and bugs to your garden. 200g sachet which will cover 3 square metres. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi.
2 options from £7.00

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 £10.00

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 £10.00

Share this page

Twitter Facebook Digg
  • Engage With Us
  • Information, Help & Advice
  • About Us & Our Services
  • Terms & Conditions
    •