Kalmia latifolia 'Kaleidoscope'
mountain laurel 'Kaleidoscope'
A compact, evergreen shrub to around 1.5m tall with glossy green foliage. In late spring and early summer clusters of flowers opening from red buds have deep red petals that are paler on their reverse and are edged with white
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Kalmia are evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or corymbs of bowl-shaped flowers in spring or summer
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained acidic soil in partial shade or in sun where the soil remains reliably moist; mulch in spring with leaf mould or well-rotted pine needles
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Get involved
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