Kalmia latifolia 'Pink Charm'

RHS Plant Profile
mountain laurel 'Pink Charm'
mountain laurel 'Pink Charm' RHS
Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Shrubs

A bushy evergreen shrub to 3m, with dark green, oval or elliptic leaves to 10cm long, and profuse rounded clusters of rich pink flowers opening from crimped, deep pink buds in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained acidic soil in partial shade, or in sun where the soil remains relatively 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
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs and vine weevil

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility