Species western bog laurel

western bog laurel

Kalmia microphylla

Western Bog Laurel (Kalmia microphylla) is a low-growing, evergreen shrub which is native to the wet lowland areas of western North America. This fast-growing shrub has leathery, dark green leaves which are finely serrated along the edges. In late spring, delightfully scented, white, bell-shaped flowers bloom in clusters. Western Bog Laurel is a great choice for naturalizing boggy areas of the garden, due to its damp soil tolerance and attractive foliage. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid it. Ideal for container planting, it makes a wonderful low hedge to form borders and can be trained as a small shrub or low groundcover.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2

Flowers:

Pink, Purple Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Bog

Fruits:

red Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Western bog laurel typically grows best with regular waterings. Water it deeply 1-2 times a week during its peak growing season, which is typically in spring and summer. Reduce watering during the cooler, dormant months, such as fall and winter. In these months, soaking the soil once a month should be sufficient. It is better to err on the side of less, rather than more, water, as overwatering can lead to root death and root rot. Monitor moisture levels of the soil to ensure plants don't become overly dry or too wet. If the top 3-5 inches of the soil is dry, it's time to water the western bog laurel.

sunlight

Western bog laurel prefers full sun to partial shade conditions, and can tolerate some woodland shade. It should be planted in a moist but well-drained soil, and should be watered regularly during dry periods. It prefers at least 4 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. Sunlight in the early morning followed by shade during the hottest parts of the day is the ideal condition for Western bog laurel to thrive.

pruning

Western Bog Laurel should be pruned twice a year, once in early spring (April or May) and once in late summer (August or September) to maintain its shape and encourage a bushy growth. Pruning should be done by removing 1-third of the oldest stems at the base of the plant and cutting back everything else to 3-4 inches from the ground. This technique will help to promote fuller growth and maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. It is important to avoid pruning late in the season as this can encourage late flowering, which can be detrimental to the plant's health. It is also important to not prune away too much of the plant, as this can lead to over-pruning and damage the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Kalmia microphylla typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

Kalmia microphylla is typically harvested in the months of June and July.

Hardiness Map