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KALMIA latifolia 'Olympic Fire'
Commonly known as Calico bush
Large red buds open to pink flowers. Wavy-edged leaves
Large
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes - Click to close
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Floweringlocal_floristJanlocal_floristFeblocal_floristMarlocal_floristAprlocal_floristMaylocal_floristJunlocal_floristJullocal_floristAuglocal_floristSeplocal_floristOctlocal_floristNovlocal_floristDec
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Good to know
Wildlife plant - nectar and pollen for insects -
Pests & Diseases
None -
Place of origin
Eastern USA -
Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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EvergreenNarrow, leathery, pointed leaves.
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Red
Red buds -
Shades of pink
All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)Opening pink -
BorderSuitable for a shrub border
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Fully hardy
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Entire
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Lanceolate
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Height
3m (10ft) -
Spread
3m (10ft)
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Tall ShrubProduces flowers 2.5cm (1in) across
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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 -
Hardy - very cold winter
Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe. Plant can possibly withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F) -
Summer Seasonal Interest
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Acid / ericaceous loving
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Fertile moist well-drained soilHumus-rich. Mulch with leaf mould in spring.
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Full sun
Where soil remains reliably moist. -
Partial shade
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harmful if eaten
People and pets, i.e. cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, tortoises -
Bee friendly
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Rabbit Resistant
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Mature Size3m (10ft)
3m (10ft)
View Detailed Plant Description
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Kalmia - Growing Guide
