Kalmia mix

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Kalmia latifolia (mix of varieties)

• Common Name: Mountain Laurel

• Plant Type: Hardy, evergreen shrub

• Growth Habit: Dense, rounded shrub with glossy foliage; typically grows 1.5–2.5 m tall and spreads to a similar width over time.

• Foliage: Leathery, dark green leaves that remain attractive year-round, adding winter structure to the garden.

• Flowers: Clusters of showy, cup-shaped blooms in various colours depending on the variety—ranging from pink and red to white, often with striking markings.

• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer (May–June), sometimes extending into early July.

• Seasonal Interest: Spring and early summer flowers, evergreen foliage, and year-round structure.

• Garden Uses: Excellent for acidic garden borders, woodland gardens, mixed shrub beds, and foundation planting. Works beautifully with other acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland when planted in suitable soil.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight; can tolerate full sun in cooler climates if soil remains moist.

• Soil Preferences: Requires acidic soil (pH 4.5–6.0) that is moist, fertile, and well-drained.

• Moisture Needs: Consistent moisture is essential; avoid both drought and waterlogging.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn to allow roots to establish before extreme weather.

• Spacing: Allow 1.5–2 m between plants for mature spread and airflow.

• Shelter Needs: Thrives in sheltered sites, protected from cold, drying winds which can scorch leaves.

• Companion Planting: Combines well with heathers, pieris, ferns, and hostas in shaded or woodland borders.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots using ericaceous compost; ensure good drainage and regular feeding.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells and in the first two years after planting.

  • Use rainwater if possible, as tap water in hard-water areas can raise soil pH over time.

• Feeding:

  • Apply an ericaceous slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

  • Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen-rich fertilisers, as this encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning is required. Remove spent flower clusters immediately after blooming to encourage next year’s buds.

  • Cut out any dead, diseased, or crossing stems to maintain shape and health.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5–8 cm layer of pine bark, leaf mould, or other acidic mulch in spring to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.

  • Refresh mulch annually to maintain soil acidity.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free, though may occasionally suffer from leaf spot or root rot if soil is poorly drained.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; in exposed locations, a windbreak can help prevent leaf scorch.

• Weed Control: Keep the area around the plant base weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture.

• Longevity: Long-lived with proper care, rewarding the gardener with decades of spectacular floral displays.

• Size
  4 Ltr pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.