Content
Kalmia broadifolia is a member of the genus Kalmia, the Heather family. The flower got its name thanks to Per Kalma, a Finnish scientist and naturalist. Currently, the plant is known for its decorative properties.
Description of Kalmia latifolia with photo
Under natural conditions, the shrub reaches a height of 1.5 m, and low-growing species - 30 cm. Broad-leaved Kalmia has spread throughout the world thanks to breeders who managed to develop frost-resistant varieties that can be planted in the Leningrad region, Moscow region, Volga region and other regions where the climate far from tropical.
The evergreen shrub has hard, lanceolate leaves. Its central shoots are woody. A characteristic feature of broadleaf kalmia is the slow growth of branches, which are first purple in color and then grayish-brown. You can admire the buds for one month. Most varieties bloom in late spring. They are formed in the upper part of the shoots.Externally, the inflorescences are very lush, similar to umbrellas, collected from many small buds. Usually their color is soft pink with a red corolla. At the end of summer, capsule fruits can be seen on the shoots, which ripen by mid-autumn.
Broad-leaved Kalmia, although beautiful, is dangerous: not only its shoots are poisonous, but even its pollen
Popular varieties
When purchasing a seedling, you should keep in mind that although the principles of caring for the crop are similar, you can achieve abundant flowering if you know the characteristics of the variety.
One of the popular types of Kalmia latifolia is Elf. In good conditions, the shrub can reach 2 m in height. The leaves are small, leathery, densely dotted on the shoots. The flowers are delicate white. The variety is resistant to spotting.
Kalmia latifolia Elf is frost-resistant: can withstand temperatures down to -34 °C
The Olympic Fire variety is the opposite of species that delight with tenderness. This densely leafed evergreen shrub reaches a height of 1.5-1.8 m, richly decorated with dark red and pink buds, up to 2.5 cm in diameter each. The leaves can also be called decorative: dark green plates with wavy edges.
Kalmia broadifolia Olympic Fire is recognized as one of the most popular, prefers sunny places or partial shade, frost-resistant
All gardeners love exotic flowers with unusual colors. Among Kalmiya latifolia there is such an exotic variety as Kaleidoskop.
The crown diameter reaches 70 cm, and the shrub itself grows up to 100 cm in height. And if the foliage is the usual green shade, then the buds are purple with a white center and border. Kalmia is characterized by very abundant flowering, most often in June.
Frost resistance of broadleaf Kaleidoskop does not exceed -29 °C
Planting Kalmia latifolia in open ground
The plant is capricious in the choice of soil: it does not develop well on sandy and loamy soil. The best option for broadleaf kalmia is light and fertile soil. If there is no suitable soil on the site, then peat, leafy soil and river sand can be added to the flowerbed. Compost may be used.
The optimal location of Kalmia latifolia on the site is a semi-shaded, windless place near houses or trees
Landing algorithm:
- In the fall, loosen the flower bed, add fertilizer and compost.
- In the spring, it is good to loosen the soil and dig a hole 40*50 cm.
- Place a drainage layer of crushed stone or sand at the bottom of the hole.
- Fill the hole 1/3 with soil, add 2 tbsp. l. mineral fertilizers.
- Cover the finished hole with film and leave it for a week to allow the necessary microflora to multiply.
- Treat the seedling with a growth stimulator, straighten the roots and place it in a hole, placing the neck at soil level.
- Water the bush generously, fill the hole with soil, lightly compacting it.
- Mulch the tree trunk circle with peat or pine needles.
Caring for Kalmia latifolia
If planting a shrub is not so easy because of its pickiness about the soil, then care does not require large financial costs.It is necessary to take into account the peculiarity of the root system: it is shallow and thin, and therefore sensitive to damage. This obliges the gardener to carefully loosen.
The abundance of flowering depends on the state of the root system: the more developed it is, the more strong shoots the shrub will produce
Watering
Kalmia broadifolia tolerates drought well, but reacts negatively to stagnant moisture. Therefore, you need to let the soil dry completely. It is enough to moisten the flowerbed once every two weeks, pouring up to 10 liters of water onto the bush per adult plant. If precipitation occurs, do not carry out the procedure at all.
Top dressing
It is necessary to provide the shrub with useful substances at least three times per season from the time Kalmia broadleaf reaches two years of age. The first feeding is required in April, the second in June. Preference should be given to mineral supplements. During the active growth phase of the bush, you can add a little manure dissolved in water under the plant.
Wintering
In regions with warm climates, the crop does not need shelter. In the Moscow region and Leningrad region and other places where the climate is cold, the flower must be protected. It is recommended to remove the cover in the spring after the snow melts.
The best protection for Kalmia broadleaf from frost is dry foliage, spruce branches or covering material
Reproduction methods
In total, you can increase the number of shrubs on your site in several ways: layering, root shoots or cuttings. If there is no chance to purchase seedlings, then seed material is available for sale.
Seeds
This method requires patience and time from the gardener.All work with seed material must begin in December.
Algorithm of actions:
- Dry the seeds and place them in a closed, dry container.
- Fill the container with moss and fertile soil, sprinkle sand on top.
- Scatter the seeds on the ground, transfer the container to a cool place with good lighting.
- Regularly moisten the soil with a spray bottle.
- In spring, move the container to a room with high humidity and a temperature of 20-24 ° C.
Kalmia latifolia seeds take a long time to germinate: at least a month, then the seedling grows in height by 3-5 cm per year
Most often, it is possible to see the flowering of a bush only 5-6 years after the start of work, and it is possible to transfer the crop to open ground only after 6-7 years of life.
Cuttings
The shoots are cut in July in order to be immediately treated with a root formation stimulator and planted in a container with soil mixture. Peat, sand and pine needles should be distributed in layers in the container in proportions of 3:1:1.
Young cuttings need to be grown under film in greenhouse conditions, and when roots appear after 3-4 months, remove the cover. Kalmiya latifolia is ready for transplantation only two years after cuttings.
Diseases and pests
The plant has a strong immune system. But if you regularly over-moisten the soil, the crop may suffer from fungal diseases. When mold appears, damaged shoots must be cut off and the bush treated with fungicides. If the disease has spread throughout the plant, it is recommended to dig up and destroy Kalmia latifolia. The most effective means of prevention against fungi is moderate watering and tying up heavily overgrown bushes.
Broadleaf Kalmia in the landscape
All varieties can be considered highly decorative, so any variety can decorate a yard, garden or flower garden. But when using Kalmia latifolia, you need to take into account that it is a self-sufficient crop and looks good alone.
Miniature varieties can be placed in the background in rock gardens. Place ferns, heather and wild rosemary next to them. Conifers look good next to shrubs.
The main criterion when using Kalmia latifolia in design is the placement next to flowers that prefer acidic soil
Conclusion
Kalmia broadifolia is a beautiful evergreen shrub with high decorative properties. The plant is unpretentious in care, but is responsive to fertilizing and demanding in the soil. All parts of the bush are poisonous, so it is recommended to place the plant away from garden paths.
Reviews about growing Kalmia latifolia in the Moscow region
