Kalmia polifolia bog laurel

Bog laurel is an amazingly modest looking mountain laurel species from boggy heaths of Canada and USA. It has narrow, lance-shaped to almost linear, deep green, glossy leaves that are light grey to grey-white on the undersides. They look like rosemary leaves but lack the perfume.

In early May profusion of small, soft lilac-pink flowers open from rich pink buds. It is hard to believe that such a small plant produces this quantity. They are small, only about 2 cm across, saucer-shaped like those on mountain laurels and bloom for 3-4 weeks.

Bog laurel is a low, mound forming, evergreen shrub that loves moist or even wet sites. For a happy life it MUST HAVE acidic soil (add plenty of peat). In order to avoid drying out keep it mulched at all times. Full sun is best for rich flowering. Fertilize in spring and early autumn with rhododendron fertilizers. It is extremely hardy to about -44°C (USDA zone 2), and is suitable for growing in outdoor pots but never let it dry out.

Last update 19-01-2013