Kalmia latifolia Zebulon

Kalmia latifolia Zebulon also known as mountain laurel, is a hybrid of Kalmia latifolia Ginkona and Kalmia latifolia Peppermint and has retained the best qualities of its parents. This Kalmia has very large corollas arranged in terminal corymbs of white, tinged with pink and red. The red central ring gives it all its elegance. This shrub has an upright and compact habit and does not exceed 1.20 m (4ft) in height at maturity. It is hardy to -30°C (-22°F) and prefers a semi-shaded position.

Kalmia latifolia belongs to the Ericaceae family, like Heather and Rhododendron. 'Zebulon' is a variety of modest dimensions, not exceeding 1.20 m (4ft) in height and 80 cm (32in) in width. Its growth is slow. Its well-branched trunk gives it a bushy, compact and somewhat upright habit. Its evergreen foliage, medium green in colour, with a lighter underside, guarantees decorative interest all year round. The leaves are tough and thick with a slightly V-shaped form. The shrub is at its peak in late spring, in May-June, when it is completely covered with its unique flowers. Their waxy texture brings out the unique patterns drawn on the petals. Each branch bears terminal clusters of numerous white flowers adorned with a central pink to red ring and dotted with red spots. They are very open, becoming flat at maturity and measuring up to 5 cm (2in) in diameter. The white stamens are nestled on the petals. The still unopened flower buds, white in colour, unmistakably resemble small delicacies like meringues. After flowering, if they have not fallen, the flowers give way to brown capsule-shaped fruits that persist throughout winter.

Kalmias are unjustly overlooked. Their flowering is enchanting, they are hardy heathland shrubs that should be planted in semi-shaded, damp, moist, humus-rich soil. Undoubtedly unique because it is so rare, Kalmia Zebulon will be perfect for accompanying and enhancing your other heathland plants, Hydrangeas, Japanese maples, Magnolias, for example. It will work wonders in an informal hedge, in a shrub bed, integrated into a perennial bed or around a pond. Due to its small size, it is also suitable for container cultivation on balconies or patios, provided the soil is kept consistently moist.

Properties:
Kalmia latifolia is a shrub where all parts (leaves, flowers, fruits, roots) are toxic, to humans as well as animals (dogs, cats, sheep, horses), if ingested.