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Kalmia latifolia and cvs. (Mountain laurel, Calico bush)

Kalmia latifolia and cvs. Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Kalmia latifolia and cvs. KAL-mee-ah lat-ih-FOE-lee-ah Common Name: Mountain laurel, Calico bush Genus: Kalmia
This U.S. native shrub has glossy, dark green leaves. Bowl- or cup-shaped pink to white flowers are borne in large clusters from late spring to midsummer. Cultivars include white-flowered 'Pristine', suitable for Zone 8; red-budded, pink-flowered 'Olympic Fire' and 'Sarah'; compact 'Elf' and 'Minuet'; and, for Zone 5, red-budded ‘Nathan Hale’ and 'Ostbo Red'.
 Care: Cultivars must be chosen carefully to suit growing conditions. Mountain laurel thrives in acidic, well-drained soil. In the South and mid-Atlantic region, it needs morning sun and afternoon shade to flower well. It will grow in full sun in the North and at higher elevations in the South.
 Propagation: Greenwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.
 Problems: Fungal leaf spots and blights, leaf gall, powdery mildew, weevils, scale insects, lace bugs, and borers.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Dry to Medium
Characteristics Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Spring; Summer
Foliage Color Variegated Foliage
Flower Color Pink Flower; Red Flower; White Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders
Style , Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest , Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type ,Shrubs

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