Kalmia latifolia 'Ostbo Red'
MOUNTAIN LAUREL
Family: Ericaceae
Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE
Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1-7, 16, 17.
USDA zones: 5-9.
Mature size:
Height: 10 feet (3 m).
Width: 10 feet.
Flowering period:
May through June.
Flowering attributes:
Bright pink buds opening to pink pale flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Lance shaped, dark green and glossy, evergreen leaves.
Growth habit:
Bushy.
Light:
Partial shade.
Soil:
Humus rich, acidic, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Add compost to keep soil humus-rich, as needed.
Propagation Methods:
Layer branches in late summer. | Cuttings midsummer.
Pruning Methods:
Prune after flowering to remove dead branches or to keep shape. May take years to flower again if pruned with a heavy hand.
Rainy Side Notes
Growing next to Rhododendron 'Blue Jay' and flowering at the same time, the combination really lights up the stump garden in mid to late spring.
Photographed in author's garden.
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton