Kalmia latifolia 'BLACK LABEL' mountain laurel
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1,3-1,5m
usual width
1,5-1,8m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
May-June
location
full to partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist but well-drained
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Honestly, we are nuts about kalmias – mountain laurels. Not very well known, these mid-sized shrubs deserve more attention as they belong to the most beautiful flowering evergreen shrubs of our climate. They come from south-eastern USA and the Asian mountains where they grow under taller trees. There are many cultivars combining all sorts of red, pink and burgundy shades with white, all of them beautiful, all of them very hardy. The best display is when half of the bloom cluster is still in buds which mostly have a different colour than the flowers themselves.
Description of the plant:
Black Label is a German mountain laurel variety bred by a specialist kalmia breeder Dr. Karl-Heinz Hübbers and introduced in 2011. It is a cross between varieties Mitternacht and Ginkona. Its flowers are 2.5-3,5 cm across and combine a broad, deep maroon to almost black band on almost white background, and a narrow, pure white rim. Flower buds are pale grey with maroon hues and pink tips. Evergreen leaves are broadly elliptic, flat (not undulated), leathery, dark green, and glossy. The plant grows at medium growth rate to an upright, open shrub.For a happy life it MUST HAVE acidic soil (add plenty of peat). Do not dig a deep hole but a wide one. Plant it in light, well drained soil that has to be well mulched to keep the surface roots moist at all times. Full sun is best for profuse flowering. Fertilize in spring and early autumn with rhododendron fertilizers. Use water solutions or slow-release fertilizers that will not burn the delicate surface roots. Fully hardy to -34 °C (USDA zone 4) and suitable for outdoor pots all year round.
Last update 23-01-2024
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