Rhodoland Kalmia latifolia

Kalmia latifolia, Mountain Laurel              Certainly, there is at least one genus that fits into a garden with rhododendrons and azaleas - Kalmia latifolia. I have some varieties in my garden, about 15, and when I have guests in my garden and they see them in full flower, they are amazed about their beauty! And why? Well, they did not know them before. I think, they are more well-known in the USA, where the original species grow in the wild and where more nurseries and laboraties propagate them. Propagating by cuttings or graftings is hardly possible, because most of the varieties will not root. So, it is easier to propagate them by TC-culture.              The genus Kalmia latifolia is indissolubly connected with Mr. Richard A. Jaynes in Hamden, Connecticut, north of New York. In the winter of 1994 I visited his 'Broken Arrow Nursery' and laboratory and admired his rows of small TC-culture plants of Kalmia latifolia and other Kalmias.  He is the real Mr. Kalmia himself. He has written a book about it, "Kalmia, Mountain Laurel and Related Species" and already the 4th (?)edition has been released. It calls him a 'laurel fanatic'. This book is a must for anyone who is interested in the wonderful genus.

           I won't give you now a sort of summary of his book, but will mention some important aspects.

          These plants grow in the wild in the eastern part of the USA from Florida to Canada. Normally they grow as high as 10 to 20 feet. The flowers are in trusses of about 10, 20 to even 30 seperate flowers, from dark pink to almost white. There are many banded selections, like 'Kaleidoscope' or 'Minuet', a small growing variety. Now I feel the temptation to mention many of them, but you really must read the book of  Richard Jaynes or buy the plants. The beauty is ....I can hardly find the right words, magnificent and beyond expectation. In 1994 I was in the USA, in the woods of the  'Blue Ridge Mountains' in  North- and South Carolina. I enjoyed it very much! I hope to be there this year again!! 

             Richard Jaynes has collected varieties and 'deviating' flowers, often with the help of other 'kalmiaholics', who 'chased' for new plants. This would be one of the most wanted activities for me too!! Chasing plants - oh, boy, what am I doing here behind my computer.......
Dick crossed with them again and again to get new varieties and meanwhile there are about  80 varieties, and on the internet I saw already new ones, which are not yet in his book. (1997)

        Kalmia latifolia is one of the Ericaceae and fits very well into a garden with Rhododendrons, azaleas and other plants of this family. And desires the same conditions, soil, pH etc., though it withstands better drought. It is completely cold hardy and wintergreen, so it gives your garden some colour in winter. There are also small growing varieties, like 'Elf' and 'Minuet'. Availability must not be a problem in the USA. In other countries it might be more difficult to 'lay your hand on them'. Just look on the internet, go to the better gardencenters and order them. You must try to get them, because they are so beautiful! 

I used some pictures from the internet, with permission. For more pictures or information:   www.kalmiagrower.com