Kalmia latifolia Bulls Eye - Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia 'Bull's Eye' is a delightful shrub of ericaceous soil, with a bushy and dense habit. In May-June, it adorns itself with a multitude of flower clusters, in a which are both lively and contrasting. The bell-shaped purple flowers are largely marked and speckled with white. The evergreen foliage, dark and shiny, softens the eccentricity of this flowering, covering the plant with elegant and well-ordered vegetation. Pure enchantment!

Kalmia latifolia is also named mountain laurel or American laurel, it belongs to the Ericaceae family, like heathers and rhododendrons. 'Bull's Eye' is a variety of modest dimensions, not exceeding 1 meter 30cm (3 feet 4 inches) in all directions, with slow growth. Its well-branched trunk gives it a bushy, compact and somewhat erect habit. Its dark green foliage with a lighter underside is made up of small varnished leaves, tough and thick, they guarantee a decorative interest all year round. The plant's display is at its peak at the end of spring, during its flowering. Each branch carries terminal clusters of small red-purple flowers 2 to 2.5 cm (0.8 to 1 in) in diameter, with pinkish white patterns at the edges and centre with purple stamens are housed on the petals. The flowers do not all bloom together, they present astonishing contrasts between the unopened veined floral buds not yet bloomed, and the already bloomed flowers. After flowering, if they have not fallen, the flowers give way to fruits in the shape of brown capsules, which last all winter. The colours, shape and fleshy and shiny texture of the flowers of Kalmia latifolia 'Bull's Eye', are like pretty little English porcelain cups, placed on a green setting, what elegance!

Kalmias are unfairly unknown. They are particularly hardy ericaceous shrubs that should be planted in semi-shade, in moist and humus-bearing soil. Definitely original, very decorative and not widespread enough, the Kalmia 'Bull's Eye' will work brilliantly in the garden, where it will beautifully highlight all the surrounding plants. It will be the ideal companion for other ericaceous plants. It will work well in a free hedge, in a mixed group of shrubs, added into a perennial bed or around a pond. Due to its small size, it is perfectly suitable for pots on balconies or patios, provided the soil is kept constantly moist.

Properties:

Kalmia latifolia is a shrub which is entirely toxic to humans as well as for animals (dogs, cats, sheep, horses) when eaten, including its leaves, flowers, fruits and roots.