Care of the shrub Kalmia latifolia or Mountain laurel |
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The genus Kalmia, family Ericaceae, comprises 8 species of shrubs native to North America and Cuba. Some species are: Kalmia latifolia, Kalmia polifolia, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia cuneata. Common names: Mountain laurel, Calico-bush, Spoonwood. This species is native to the eastern United States. They are lush evergreen shrubs of compact size that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. The leaves are lustrous and oval in shape. The gorgeous pink or white flowers are dish-shaped and appear in terminal corymbs. They bloom in summer. Mountain laurel is used in large pots, as isolated specimens and in small bushy groups. Kalmia latifolia needs a semi-shade exposure in regions with a Mediterranean or warm climate; in colder climates they are grown in full sun. It resists frost well. Calico-bush does not resist calcareous or clay soils. The soil can be a mixture of leaf mulch, peat, coarse sand, and manure. Planting is done in spring or autumn; pot transplantation can be done at any time. Water frequently in summer and reduce watering the rest of the year; never water or let the substrate dry completely. Fertilize every 15 days in spring with mineral fertilizer to promote flowering and with compost or manure in autumn. Prune dead flowers and dry branches. Kalmia latifolia is attacked by mites and aphids if it suffers drought; if the humidity is excessive it's attacked by fungi. Mountain laurel propagates from seeds sown in spring (in the nursery or outdoors) and by cuttings in late summer. |
Images of the shrub Kalmia latifolia or Mountain laurel |
 Kalmia latifolia |