Kalmia latifolia 'Myrtifolia'
myrtle-leaf mountain laurel
Slow-growing, compact, dense, evergreen shrub about 1.2m high with small, lance-shaped, glossy dark green leaves to 5cm long. From late spring to midsummer, dome-shaped flowerheads of small, distinctively crimped cup-shaped pale pink flowers open from pink buds
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Pink | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Pink | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Kalmia are evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or corymbs of bowl-shaped flowers in spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained acidic soil in partial shade, or in sun where the soil remains reliably moist; mulch in spring with leaf mould or well-rotted pine needles. Suitable for container cultivation in ericaceous (lime-free) potting compost, for a shady position
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer or layering in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Get involved
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