 |
|
 |
Landscaping Value:
Kalmia is one of the most beautiful of eastern North
America’s native shrubs, and a useful evergreen broadleaf
for the garden. |
|
Special historical interest:
‘Ostbo Red’ is the first red budded selections
named. It was hybridized by Bellevue horticulturalist Andre
Ostbo, and introduced by Melrose Nursery in Olympia,
Washington. Unnamed Rhododendron hybrids propagated by Mr.
Ostbo were planted by Harriet Shorts and can still be found
at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
Kalmia latifolia is the state flower of Connecticut.
Please take note:
The foliage is toxic. Care should be taken if young children
frequent the garden. Honey should not be produced from
these plants.
Other Cultivars:
Over 75 known cultivars.
‘Snowdrift’, has compact dense foliage, the white
flowers have faint reddish markings.
‘Bullseye’ has distinctive reddish foliage and heavily
striped flowers.
Both are available locally. |
|
|
References: Dirr,
Michael A., 1990. Manual of Woody
Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental characteristics,
Culture, Propagation and Uses. 4th ed., Stipes Publishing
Company, Champaign, Il.
Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium Staff, 1976. Hortus
Third: A Concise Dictionary of Plants Cultivated in the United
States and Canada. Macmillan Publishing Co., inc. New York.
Huxley, Anthony and Mark Griffiths eds. 1992. New Royal
Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening (4 vols.) Stockton
Press. New York. |
|
at
a glance:
Common Name:
Mountain-laurel, Sheep-laurel
Location: South edge of ground cover garden.
Plant type:
Evergreen
Family: Ericaceae
Height/Spread: Slowly to 7 to 15 ft.
Leaves: Elliptic lanceolate,
3 – 5 inches long, leathery, glossy above, dull yellow-green
beneath. New growth a light yellow green.
Flower: Species
has numerous flowers in large terminal corymb, pink in bud. In June
opening to white, or pale blue to deep rose, broadly bell-shaped
flowers ¾" across. Petals with 10 pouches in which anthers are
held under tension. ‘Ostbo Red’ has buds that are striking
bright red, opening to deep pink flowers.
Conditions:
Prefers acid, sandy loam soil with high humus content. Does best in
moderate shade and ample moisture during spring and early summer,
though too much shade and moisture inhibits flowering.
Disease/pests:
Relatively pest free.
Bloom Period:
May to June
Natural Range:
Eastern North America
Hardiness:
USDA zone 5
Accession #:
01-100 |
