The Garden Community for Garden Lovers

You can visit our Kalmia page or browse the pictures using the next and previous links. If you've been inspired take a look at the Kalmia plants in our garden centre.

Kalmia latifolia 'Big Boy'


Kalmia latifolia 'Big Boy' (Kalmia latifolia (Calico bush))

I've had this mountain laurel for 4 years and this was the first time it flowered. In previous years, branches were broken by chipmunks or dogs. All of them flowered this year but most of the buds never developed properly for some reason, probably from the nightmare winter we had. The leaves on this mountain laurel are much larger than average and that's where the name 'Big Boy' comes from.



Comments on this photo

bjs
Bjs
 

I love these flowers ,the one Kalmia I planted has failed to flower in the two years I have had it

20 Jul, 2014

 

Strangely enough my Kalmia have not flowered in 2 years I have it either. I love the flowers.

20 Jul, 2014

 

The biggest problem I have with growing them is keeping the soil acidic enough and making sure they get enough water. I have most of them planted in a mix of sand, peat and pine bark but it dries quickly and I still had to add sulfur. I am going to be moving this one in the next couple days to an area with regular irrigation and am going to plant it in nothing but pine bark. They are very challenging to grow well but the flowers alone make it worth it.

20 Jul, 2014



Comment on this photo


   Photo 22 of 42

  • previous slideshow photo
  • next slideshow photo

What else?

See who else is growing Kalmia latifolia (Calico bush).

See who else has plants in genus Kalmia.

This photo is of "Kalmia latifolia 'Big Boy'" in Rkwright's garden

Members who like this photo

  • bjs
    Bjs

    Gardening with friends since
    13 Apr, 2009

  • Gardening with friends since
    20 Nov, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    1 Oct, 2013

Garden centre