Kalmia polifolia

Kalmia polifolia, the Andromeda leaf Kalmia, is a delightful little North American bush which grows in moist and acidic soils. In late spring, this spreading shrub covers itself in clusters of cup-like flowers which vary from intense purplish pink to pale pink. These abundant flowers, both bright and very cheerful, create a very pretty gradient of colour. Its small dark foliage, shiny and tough, highlights the flowers and remains decorative throughout the year. Place it in semi-shade, in flower beds, rockeries or even in pots on the patio.

Kalmia polifolia is much less known than its relation Kalmia latifolia.  This botanical species originates from Canada, as well as New England and the Great Lakes region in the United States. Its natural habitat consists of damp and shaded places such as peat bogs and peaty forests. It is an evergreen shrub of modest dimensions, with a spreading habit of fairly slow growth, not exceeding 60 cm (23.6 in) in height or 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in spread. Its sparsely branched trunk gives it a somewhat loose habit. The dark glossy green evergreen foliage, with a whitish underside is composed of small, tough, thick leaves with margins almost rolled in on themselves. They are arranged in an opposite manner on the branches. The flowers are abundant and quite spectacular in May-June. At the ends of the branches are small clusters (corymbs) of 8 to 12 small flowers  which are 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) wide, lilac-pink in colour and patterned. Each flower forms a 5-sided bell-shaped corolla. Flowers do not all bloom at the same time, the corymbs display a lovely colour gradient between the surprisingly geometric buds, and the already bloomed flowers. After flowering, if they have not fallen, the flowers give way to fruits in the form of brown capsules, which last all winter.

Kalmias are unfairly overlooked in comparison with rhododendrons or azaleas. Their flowers are a delight, they are particularly hardy heathland bushes that should be planted in semi-shade, in moist and humus-rich soil. Very decorative and with limited spread, Kalmia polifolia will work beautifully in the garden where it will enhance all the surrounding plants! It will be the ideal companion for heathland plants (Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, Heathers, Hydrangeas, Japanese Maples, Magnolias, Andromedas, Cyclamens...) or the Magellan Fuchsia. It will be wonderful in a group of mixed shrubs, in a shaded rockery, added into a perennial bed, around a pond, or even placed on its own. Due to its small development, it is perfectly suited for to be grown in pots, on balconies or patios, provided the soil is always kept moist.

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.