Kalmia latifolia Ideal - Mountain Laurel

The Kalmia latifolia 'Ideal' is an evergreen heather soil bush that offers one of the most beautiful spring flowerings. In May-June, its floral buds, produced well in advance, open up to form lovely bell-shaped flowers, larger than many other varieties. With a pale pink color, the floral corollas are enhanced by reddish-purple speckles arranged in a peripheral circle. The flowering, exuding a true romantic charm, is magnified by the shiny dark green foliage, which persists all year round. A superb bush still too little planted, it appreciates cool and semi-shady situations and is not afraid of the cold.

Kalmia is a member of the Ericaceae family, which includes about a hundred genera, many of which are ornamental (Rhododendron, Heathers, Leucothoe...) and some produce edible fruits (Blueberry, Strawberry Tree...). The genus Kalmia, commonly known as Mountain Laurel, boasts about twenty species native to North America. Kalmia latifolia thus grows wild in the oak and pine forests of the eastern Canadian mountains (Quebec and New Brunswick) and the eastern United States, descending as far as Florida. In these regions, it can form a small tree up to 12 m high, but in our parks and gardens, it does not exceed 2 to 3 m and often less.
'Ideal' is a horticultural hybrid obtained in 2001 by the German breeder Karl-Heinz Hübbers by crossing the varieties 'Mitternacht' and 'Ginkona'. The result of this crossbreeding was registered in 2013 to be released on the market. The fairly slow-growing bush forms, in ten years of planting, an irregular clump of approximately 1.10-1.20 m in height by 0.80 m in width. It has an upright habit, with somewhat stiff, upright branches, green streaked with reddish. The leaves measure up to 10 cm long by 4 cm wide, are dark green with a smooth and glossy surface, while the edges may slightly undulate. They are carried by short 2 cm long petioles. This somewhat dark evergreen vegetation forms a perfect setting for the flowering. The dark pink floral buds are already very decorative before the flowers bloom in May and June. Gathered in corymbs about a dozen centimeters long, the numerous flowers (several tens) open gradually one after the other, half-open bell-shaped flowers coexisting with fully open flowers, forming cups up to 3.5 cm in diameter. Their light pink color is absolutely delightful and, a touch of coquetry, reddish-purple speckles are arranged to form a mottled border, further enhancing their beauty. The corolla consists of five fused petals (referred to as gamopetalous flowers), 10 discreet stamens, and a protruding pistil. In full bloom towards the end of May, the Kalmia can compete with many other flowering shrubs.

The Kalmia 'Ideal' is a very attractive bush, quite demanding in its growing conditions, not tolerating limestone, full sun, and even less drought. However, when its needs are met, it is a plant of great beauty that offers a rare spectacle in spring. Plant it alongside the Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice', a charming shrub that, planted at its base, will create a nice and soft contrast of foliage thanks to its small silver-gray leaves. Its small pink bell-shaped flowers will perfectly complement the bells of your Mountain Laurel. A few plants of Japanese Primrose 'Millers Crimson' in the foreground will also be welcome, while a Japanese Maple 'Dissectum Garnet' with its very finely cut dark red foliage will have a beautiful effect behind 'Ideal'.

Beware of children and pets, all parts of the plant are toxic (leaves, buds, and flowers).