Kalmia (Mountain Laurel)

Plants of the genus kalmia They are relatively small shrubs, which can be grown in containers throughout their lives and which will also brighten up your stay with their magnificent flowers.

Its maintenance is quite simple, since being adaptable they will not give us problems. Discover more.

Origin and characteristics

Kalmia are evergreen shrubs native to North America, Europe, and Cuba. They are popularly known as mountain laurel or azalea (but you have to be careful not to confuse them). They grow to a height of between 20 and 250cm.

Its leaves are simple, lanceolate, arranged in a spiral and measure 2-13cm in length. The flowers are grouped in corymbs of 10-50 units, white, pink or purple. And the fruit is a capsule with five lobes inside which we will find numerous seeds. All its parts are toxic.

The genus is made up of about 26 species, among which are:

• K. angustifolia
• K. buxifolia
• K. ericoides
• K. microphylla
• K procumbens
• K. latifolia

They are plants that look a lot like rhododendrons, not only because of its characteristics but also because of its growth rate, which is rather slow.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy of Kalmia, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

• Location: they must be outside, in an area protected from direct sun.
• Earth: fertile, with good drainage, and slightly acidic (pH 5 to 6,5).
  • Pot: substrate for acidic plants mixed with 30% perlite.
  • Garden: sandy, loose, rich in organic matter.
• Irrigation: 3-4 times a week in summer, somewhat less the rest of the year. Use rainwater or lime-free.
• Subscriber: in spring and summer with fertilizer for acid plants. It is advisable to use liquid fertilizers if it is in a pot so that the drainage continues to be good.
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
• Planting time: in spring.
• Rusticity: resistant up to -5ºC.

Did you know the Kalmia?