AWARD

KALMIA latifolia 'Olympic Fire'

Commonly known as Calico bush

Large red buds open to pink flowers. Wavy-edged leaves
Further Reading....
  • Evergreen
    Narrow, leathery, pointed leaves.
  • Red
    Red buds
  • Shades of pink
    All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)
    Opening pink
  • Height
    3m (10ft)
  • Spread
    3m (10ft)
  • Tall Shrub
    Produces flowers 2.5cm (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 'Olympic Fire'

 

 

  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    Wildlife plant - nectar and pollen for insects
    Pests & Diseases
    None
    Place of origin
    Eastern USA
    Resistant to honey fungus
    These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
  • Garden Location/Conditions
    Border
    Suitable for a shrub border
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • Leaf margin
    Entire
    (see photos above)
  • Leaf shape
    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 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
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
3m (10ft)
Tall Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
  3m (10ft)
 

Useful extras...

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
Afterplant - Tomatoes
AFTER PLANT TOMATO FEED Liquid Concentrate with Bio stimulant is a high potash liquid concentrate containing seaweed extract, plant derived amino acids and other nutrients specifically formulated to benefit tomatoes and greenhouse plants.
Only £8.00

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
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
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

Share this page

Twitter Facebook Digg