Kalmia

Description

Kalmia is an evergreen shrub that is native to the Eastern United States. It is also known as Mountain Laurel and is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping. The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, but most varieties stay around 5-10 feet. Kalmia blooms in late spring or early summer and produces beautiful clusters of flowers in shades of pink, white, and red.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Ericales
Family	Ericaceae
Genus	Kalmia

Appearance

Kalmia has dark green leaves that are glossy and leathery. The leaves are about 2-5 inches long and are oval-shaped. The plant produces clusters of flowers that are about 1 inch wide and have a distinctive shape. The petals are fused together and form a cup-like shape with a small opening at the top. The flowers are usually pink, white, or red and have a delicate fragrance.

Care Guide

Kalmia is a low-maintenance plant, but it does require specific care to thrive. Here are some tips:

• Water: Kalmia prefers moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season.
• Fertilization: Kalmia does not require much fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in early spring if you want to encourage more growth.
• Soil: Kalmia thrives in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-5.5. If your soil is not acidic, you can add sulfur or peat moss to lower the pH.
• Sunlight: Kalmia prefers partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun. If the plant is in full sun, make sure it is well-watered.
• Hardiness Zones: Kalmia is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Kalmia is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common problems:

• Lace Bugs: These insects can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
• Root Rot: This is caused by overwatering and can be prevented by ensuring the soil is well-draining.

Habitat

Kalmia is native to the Eastern United States and can be found in wooded areas, along streams, and in mountainous regions. The plant prefers acidic soil and partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Kalmia be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Kalmia can be grown in containers as long as the soil is acidic and well-draining.

Q: Does Kalmia attract pollinators?

A: Yes, Kalmia flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Q: Is Kalmia poisonous?

A: Yes, all parts of the Kalmia plant are poisonous if ingested. Keep the plant away from children and pets.

Q: How do you prune Kalmia?

A: Prune Kalmia after it blooms in late spring or early summer. Cut back any dead or diseased branches and shape the plant as desired.

Related Plants

• Rhododendron
• Azalea
• Heather
• Blueberry

References

• “Kalmia latifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b614
• “Kalmia latifolia.” North Carolina State Extension. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/mountain-laurel
• “Kalmia latifolia.” University of Connecticut Plant Database. https://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=277