Kalmia latifolia Zebulon - Alloro di montagna

Kalmia latifolia Zebulon also known as mountain laurel, is a hybrid of Kalmia latifolia Ginkona and Kalmia latifolia Peppermint that has retained the finest qualities of its parents. This Kalmia has very large corollas arranged in terminal corymbs of white with nuances of pink and red. The central red ring gives it all its elegance. This shrub with an upright and compact habit does not exceed 1.20 m at maturity, it is hardy down to -30°C and appreciates 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 in height and 80 cm in spread; its growth is slow. Its well-branched trunk gives it a bushy, compact, and somewhat upright habit. Its evergreen foliage, medium green, with a lighter underside, ensures decorative interest all year round. The leaves are leathery and thick with a slightly V-shaped form. The spectacle reaches its peak at the end of spring, in May-June, when it is completely covered with its unique flowers. Their waxy texture highlights the original patterns drawn on the petals. Each branch bears terminal clusters with an abundance of white flowers adorned with a pink to red central ring and sprinkled with red spots. They are very open, becoming flat at maturity and measuring up to 5 cm in diameter. The white stamens are nestled on the petals. The unopened floral buds, white, unmistakably resemble small treats like meringues. After flowering, if they have not fallen, the flowers give way to brown capsule-shaped fruits, persistent in winter.

Kalmias are unfairly overlooked. Their flowering is enchanting, they are particularly hardy heathland shrubs that should be planted in semi-shade, in a cool, moist, humus-rich soil. Undoubtedly original because too rare, the Kalmia 'Tad' will be perfect to accompany and enhance your other heathland plants, such as Hydrangeas, Japanese maples, Magnolias, for example. It will work wonders in a free hedge, associated with a shrub grove, integrated into a perennial bed, around a pond. Due to its small size, it is also suitable for container cultivation on balconies or terraces, provided the soil is kept consistently moist.