Kalmia latifolia (Calico Bush, Kalmia)

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Type	Shrub (Multi-stemmed Plant), Evergreen, Flowering
Form	Rounded Multi-Stemmed Bush
Size	Large Border / Screening Plant (1.8 to 3m height)
Colours	White Flowers (Summer), Dark green Foliage
Care	Some Maintenance Required
Hardiness	Frost hardy
Growth	Slow Growing Plant
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Kalmia latifolia Description

Calico Bush is grown for its impressive displays of late spring and summer blossom, however it also has attractive deep green foliage that provides a good back drop for other flowering plants during the summer months. Kalmia is well suited to naturalistic woodland planting or as a screening evergreen towards the back of a bed. Summer blossom is attractive to insects as a nectar source.

Kalmia latifolia - Cultivation Notes

Kalmia prefers a fertile moisture retentive soil, preferably on acidic soil, being commonly plant alongside Rhododendrons and other acidic loving shrubs. It can grow in full sun or part shade but produces better blossom in a well lit planting location. Water regularly during dry periods and mulch in winter.

Strengths, Weaknesses & Design Usage

Strengths of Kalmia latifolia:

Ideal for fast growing screening
Evergreen foliage for all year round colour and screening
Attractive form or foliage for all year interest

Weaknesses of Kalmia latifolia

Does not tolerate very dry or very wet soils

Design & Plant Use for Kalmia latifolia:

Tall summer flowering shrub suitable for back of border planting
Evergreen shrub suitable suitable for training up a wall

If you like this plant you may also be interested in these:
bushes and trees for fast growing screening

View all the plants listed in Genus Kalmia

View other shrubs with white flowers, or shrubs with dark green foliage

Common Missspellings: Calmia, Kalmea, Calmea

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