Kalmia latifolia 'LITTLE LINDA' mountain laurel
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
0,5-1m
usual width
0,5-1m
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 (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Little Linda is a bit older variety of mountain laurel bred by Richard Jaynes in 1982. It was awarded AGM (Award of Garden Merit) by the Royal Horticultural Society in England in 2002. Its female parent is Star Cluster which bears white flowers with a rich maroon band. Surprisingly, Little Linda came out entirely different. Little Linda mountain laurel bears smaller flowers compared to the species of other varieties. They open from rich pink buds into very pale pink shade, almost white. Another nice feature is its slow and compact growth making it a dwarf variety suitable for the smallest of gardens. The evergreen leaves are almost half the size as opposed to the species, they are leathery but not as thick as those on myrtifolia varieties, dark green, slightly curved, and glossy.
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).
Last update 28-02-2016
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