Kalmia latifolia Minuet - Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia Minuet is a charming dwarf bush of heathland soil, with a spreading and dense habit, and evergreen foliage. In May-June, it is adorned with a multitude of flower clusters, very pale pink and purple red, similar to porcelain cuplets, of an unparalleled elegance! A pure enchantment!

Kalmia latifolia, native to the mountains of eastern North America, and also named Mountain Laurel or American Laurel, belongs to the Ericaceae family, like Heather and Rhododendron. This Kalmia with large leaves is a small-sized, evergreen shrub, not exceeding 1 meter (3 feet 4 inches) in all directions, with slow growth. Its well-branched trunk gives it a spreading, compact and somewhat erect habit. Its evergreen, dark green shiny foliage, with a lighter underside, is composed of small varnished leaves, coriaceous and thick, alternate and lanceolate (like those of Rhododendrons or Laurels), thus guaranteeing very decorative interest all year round. The show is at its peak at the beginning of summer, with its very spectacular flowers! Indeed, in May-June, it is entirely covered with flowers. Each branch carries terminal clusters (corymbs) of small pinkish white flowers.  These are in the shape of campanulate corollas with 5 sides, very flared, 2 to 2.5 cm (0.8 to 1 in) in diameter, decorated inside, with a large burgundy crown, and carrying 10 purple stamens attached to the petals. The flowers do not all bloom at the same time, the corymbs present astonishing contrasts between the unopen veined floral buds, and the already bloomed flowers. After flowering, if they have not fallen, the flowers give way to fruits in the shape of brown capsules, which last all winter.
The colours and shape as well as the fleshy and shiny texture of the flowers of Kalmia latifolia Minuet, evoke pretty small English porcelain cups, placed on a green setting! What elegance!

This dwarf Kalmia, unjustly unknown, and whose sumptuous flowers are an enchantment, is a particularly hardy heathland shrub that must be planted in partial shade, in moist and humus-rich soil. Definitely unique, very decorative and compact, it will work wonders in the garden, where it will beautifully enhance all the surrounding plants! It has many uses in the garden. It will be the ideal companion for heathland plants (Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, Heathers, Hydrangeas, Japanese Maples, Magnolias, Andromedas, Cyclamens...). It will be wonderful in an informal hedge, in mixed shrub planting, added into a perennial bed, around a pond, or even planted as a specimen. Due to its small size, it is quite suitable for container planting on balconies or patios, provided the soil is always kept moist.

Properties:

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.

It is however used in homeopathy for pain relief. In the past, its very hard wood, was used for the making of many tools, especially wooden spoons, hence its English nickname of Spoonwood.

Anecdote:

The denomination of the genus Kalmia, was chosen by Carl von Linnaeus, in tribute to Pehr Kalm, famous Swedish botanist, who was one of the first to explore the flora in some parts of North America from 1747 to 1751.

The flower of Kalmia latifolia is the emblem of the States of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.