Monday, June 16, 2008

Kalmia latifolia, Mountain laurel


Alpine Pink?

Here's a nice site with pictures of many different cultivars of Kalmia.

4 comments:

joco said...

Hiya Ki,

Is that the one I know as 'Calico bush'?

I saw that in upstate NY, when it was so hot that I could barely move. Even looking at the picture now makes me sweat ;-)

Would it grow in the UK you reckon?

Ki said...

Hi Joco,
I had to do a quick search and indeed Kalmia is aka calico bush and also spoonwood, ivy bush, sheep laurel, lambkill and clamoun. I would think the UK would have a perfect climate for its cultivation. It is a slow grower and needs acid soil. This is one of my favorite evergreen shrubs. I'll stop by for a visit as soon as things settle down here. Thanks for your comment.

ICQB said...

My parents had this growing under the bay window in our house when I was growing up. I always liked the shape of the flowers. I never knew what it was called and haven't seen it since, so it's nice to know that it is a mountain laurel.

Thanks, and lovely pictures!

Ki said...

ICQB, you are most welcome. I agree, the flowers have a unique shape almost like fantastically colored sea shells. Thank you for stopping by.