Mountain Laurel, Calico Bush

Scientific Name: Kalmia latifolia L.
Family: Ericaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 1-7,16-17
USDA: 4-8

Sun Exposure: Part shade

Origin: Eastern part of the US, north to Canada

Growth Habits: Small evergreen tree or shrub with many twisted stems, 6 to 8 feet tall (1.8-2.4 m) or more (12 feet - 3.6 m); leaves shiny above, light green below, 2 to 5 inches long (5-12 cm)

Flowers: White or pink flowers

Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist, water often, likes moist air

Propagation: Seeds in the fall, cuttings in summer, layering

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally seed

• by softwood stem tip cuttings, in autumn. Apply IBA Quick Dip 5000 PPM. Use intermittent mist. Plants should be 2-3 years old.
• by seeds, in winter. Germinates at 74 degrees F. The seeds can be harvested in autumn. The seeds need stratify 40F in sand 3mo.. The usual germination temperature is 74 degrees F.

The Mountain Laurel is the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
There are a large number of varieties:
'Elf' is a dwarf variety, 2 to 3 feet tall (60-90 cm), slightly more spread, very pale pink flowers out of pink buds.
'Alpine Pink' is a variety with light pink flowers out of deep pink buds.
'Snowdrift' is a white compact variety.

Blooming Habits:
The buds are set in the fall. White to light pink flowers with purple markings, 1 inch in diameter (2.5 cm), in April to July. Remove the flowers as soon as they are spent to lenghten the blooming period.

Fruiting Habits:
A round, brown 0.25 inch long capsule (6 mm), containing very small seeds, splitting into 5 valves in September and October.

Culture:
The soil should be mulched to keep it cool. The Kalmia needs an acid soil and water, pH Range: 3.5 to 5.5 is recommended for the soil. Kalmias are pretty difficult to grow if their requirements are not fully met.