trefle.io · Taken Jun 26, 2019 by tom tom ahern (cc-by-sa)
Ericaceae
Calico-bush
Kalmia latifolia
Also known as Kalmia myrtifolia, Kalmia serotina, Kalmia nitida, Kalmia latifolia f. myrtifolia
Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Trees & Shrubs · Mountain Laurel · Native Shrub · Evergreen · Spring Blooming · Acidic Soil · Woodland Garden · Shade Shrub · Kalmia · Ornamental · Ericaceae
Calico-bush (mountain laurel) is a stunning native evergreen shrub that produces spectacular clusters of pink and white blooms in late spring, thriving in acidic, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Plant it in dappled shade to part sun and mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so keep away from children and grazing animals.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 5 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply to keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; never allow roots to sit in standing water · Every 7-10 days
- Maintenance
- Moderate
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 4.5–5.5
- Temperature
- -25°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 4b-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 4 ft
- Spread
- 3 ft
- Spacing
- 60 in apart
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- Purple
- Foliage
- Green · Coarse
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies
Sources: trefle, usda, aspca
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