Mountain-laurel, planting guide and care work
Kalmia latifolia, also popularly called Mountain-laurel or Calico-bush, is a shrub with persistent leaves, originally from North America. It has a relatively slow growth, at maturity taking the form of a dense shrub. Kalmia latifolia is a decorative plant with flowers, found in gardens and parks, cultivated directly in the soil, or even in flowerpots.
The leaves are large, dark green, elliptical, similar to those of Rhododendron. The flowers are decorative, cup-shaped, clustered in bunches. The flowers can be found in various colors: white, pink, burgundy with white edges. It blooms from late spring to early summer (May-June, sometimes July).
Mountain-laurel – varieties and cultivars
- K. latifolia ‘Elf’: with white flowers and low height. It can have a size of up to 1 meter in height and width;
- K. latifolia “Minuet”: the flowers have a white edge and center and a reddish-burgundy border. At maturity it reaches approximately 1 meter in height;
- K. latifolia “Olympic Fire”: with pink buds and flowers. The shrub can reach 3 meters in height;
- K. latifolia ‘Peppermint’: the flowers are white and have red stripes on the inside that go from the center of the flower to the edge of the petals;
- K. latifolia ‘Sarah’: with coral pink flowers that open from reddish buds. It can reach 1.5 meters in height, being a variety often found in the form of a hedge.
Environmental conditions
Light. It grows and blooms in partial shade. The Mountain-laurel can tolerate spaces with shade, but too much shade can reduce flowering. It also tolerates bright spaces, but direct sunlight can affect the appearance of the leaves, turning them slightly yellow.
Temperature. The optimal temperature range during the summer is 20-30 ℃. During winter, it can withstand temperatures lower than -20 ℃. In extremely cold conditions, the appearance of the plant deteriorates.
Soil. It prefers fertile, well-drained and slightly acidic soils. It is recommended to avoid clayey, heavy soils.
Mountain-laurel – care
Watering. Newly planted specimens need regular watering in the first weeks. Watering is done using a sufficient amount of water, avoiding excess. Mature plants are more resistant to drought, but not for a long period of time. Watering will be done so that the soil remains slightly damp, especially during the warm season.
Fertilizing. The plants will be fertilized in the spring, with fertilizers specially formulated for plants such as Rhododendrons or Azaleas.
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Pruning. Since it grows slowly, the Mountain-laurel does not require drastic cuts . To keep the pleasant appearance of the plant, cuts can be done immediately after flowering. Broken, damaged, dry branches can be removed at any time.
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Propagation. It can be propagated by semi-lignified cuttings, rooted or by seeds, but this process is more difficult and it takes a longer period of time.
Diseases and pests
Plants can be affected by various foliar diseases. They are also prone to root rot, in which case it is recommended to remove the plants. Among the pests, aphids, European fruit lecanium and wooly apple aphids may infest the plant.
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Additionally:
- All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals;
- In the regions where they come from, these plants are found naturally on rocky slopes and in mountainous forest areas;
- Although the popular name is Mountain-laurel, Kalmia latifolia is not related to the true species of the Lauraceae family.