Kalmia Polifolia

Description

Kalmia Polifolia, commonly known as bog laurel, is a beautiful evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in wetlands, bogs, and swamps. The plant typically grows up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with a dense, mounded habit. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and leathery, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are bell-shaped and range in color from white to pink, with purple markings. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and produces small, woody capsules that contain numerous seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The bog laurel is a beautiful evergreen shrub that boasts a dense, mounded habit. The plant typically grows up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and leathery, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are bell-shaped and range in color from white to pink, with purple markings. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and produces small, woody capsules that contain numerous seeds.

Care Guide

Kalmia Polifolia is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for your bog laurel:

• Water: Bog laurels prefer moist soil conditions and can tolerate occasional flooding. Water your plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
• Fertilization: Bog laurels do not require fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if desired.
• Soil: Bog laurels prefer acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. Add peat moss or compost to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
• Sunlight: Bog laurels prefer partial shade to full sun. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
• Hardiness Zones: Bog laurels are hardy in USDA zones 2-6.

Common Pests & Diseases

Bog laurels are relatively pest and disease resistant, but they can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. Here are some common pests and diseases that affect bog laurels:

• Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and improve air circulation to prevent the disease from spreading.
• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and improve air circulation to prevent the disease from spreading.
• Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.

Habitat

Kalmia Polifolia is native to North America and can be found growing in wetlands, bogs, and swamps. The plant prefers acidic soil that is rich in organic matter, and can tolerate occasional flooding. Bog laurels are hardy in USDA zones 2-6 and prefer partial shade to full sun. They are an important food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Question and Answer

Q: Can bog laurels grow in dry soil?

A: No, bog laurels prefer moist soil conditions and will not thrive in dry soil.

Q: Can bog laurels be grown in containers?

A: Yes, bog laurels can be grown in containers as long as they are kept consistently moist and are not allowed to dry out.

Q: Do bog laurels attract pollinators?

A: Yes, bog laurels are an important food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: Can bog laurels be pruned?

A: Yes, bog laurels can be pruned after flowering to maintain their shape and size.

Related Plants

• Kalmia angustifolia (sheep laurel)
• Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel)
• Kalmia microphylla (bog kalmia)
• Kalmia polifolia var. glauca (pale bog laurel)

References

• “Kalmia Polifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c790.
• “Kalmia Polifolia.” North Carolina State University Extension. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/kalmia-polifolia/.
• “Kalmia Polifolia.” The Spruce. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/bog-laurel-growing-profile-4774787.