Kalmia latifolia 'Kaleidoscope'
mountain laurel
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
- Position: partial shade
- Soil: reliably moist, humus-rich, acid soil (or ericaceous compost for container-grown specimens)
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: April to May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Emerging from distinctively ribbed buds from late spring to midsummer, the flowers of this compact mountain laurel virtually smother the lustrous, evergreen foliage when they open fully. The deep burgundy petals have a paler reverse and they form in open cups with a clear white trim around their outermost edge, as well as a smattering of streaks and spots within. It's a gorgeous addition to the woodland garden, but in an urban setting, it's invaluable for tucking into a shady corner with reliably moist soil. - Garden care: Remove the faded blooms regularly to prolong flowering. Requires minimal pruning - cut back specimens that have outgrown their allotted space gradually over two or three years in spring. Apply a generous mulch of well-rotted leaf mould or composted pine needles around the base of the plant each spring.
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten