1. Home
  2. Encyclopedia
  3. Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i
Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)-i

Calico-bush

Scientific name
Kalmia latifolia

Basic Information

Ericaceae Family Kalmia Genus Calico-bush Species
Ericaceae > Kalmia > Kalmia latifolia
83%
The Completeness of This Encyclopedia

Please help us complete the encyclopedia, Terrarium is a encyclopedia service to be completed with everyone in the world. Currently, this page is 83% complete. For more information on how to contribute, please click here.

  • Shrub
Height
300cm ~
Flower Color
Leaf Color
Anthesis
spring,summer
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Hardiness Zones
4
Cold resistance
Excellent
Heat resistance
Fair
Habitat of origin
United States
Growth Rate
Slow

What is Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)?

What is Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)

The vine Laurencia latifolia, sometimes called Calico-bush, belongs to the trimody family. Originating in the eastern regions of North America, this plant is seen in areas like New England, the Appalachian Mountains, and states in the south. The woody evergreen shrub grows 6 to 12 feet high and is very dense and round. In late spring and early summer, Laurencia latifolia produces showy red flowers shaped uniquely like shallow cups. Markings on the flowers look like calico fabric patterns. That is why this plant has the common name Calico-bush. With foliage staying on year round, Laurencia latifolia is a broadleaf evergreen. The thick, shiny leaves are a deep green color. After the flowers fade, the plant grows little wooden capsules containing many small seeds. Laurencia latifolia thrives in acidic, drained soil and partial shade. It's relatively easy to grow and makes an attractive landscape plant. However, all parts of the plant have toxic compounds, so humans should not eat any part of it.

EcoPlanter
    • 0

    • 0

Flower meaning

Additional awareness regarding the flowers speech of the Calico-bush in North America is obtainable as a plant academician. The Kalmia latifolia also termed Calico-bush, a blooming vegetation native to the eastern parts of the American continent. The floral terminology relates it to steadfastness and enduring attractiveness, representing conquering obstacles while continuing robust despite adversity. No particular month or date connects it. Remembering the variation across cultures and nations in flower meanings is crucial for precise understanding. Many flowers carry different associations based on the specific setting.

EcoPlanter
    • 0

    • 0

Calendar of Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)

Calendar

The flower time period of Calico plant is roughly 2 to 4 week. Prune after flower helps new growing and maybe make the time of flower longer. Overall, Calico plant is a nice flower plant that adds charm and color during beginning of summer and end of spring across the country. Soil drainage good and regular water and sunlight enough are suggested for longer flower time. Peak time is May and June but can change based on where in U.S. Flower clusters are showy, colored white to pink to red, cup shaped. Best flowers are during peak time and bring pollinators. Scientific name is Kalmia latifolia. Native to U.S. Blooming starts late spring and goes to early summer normally. Flowering time can vary a little depending on exact place in the country.

EcoPlanter
    • 0

    • 0

How to grow Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)

Watering

Calico shrubbery, scientifically labelled Kalmia latifolia, demands precise moistening regimen for thriving. In spring until early fall's maturing spell, best rate of watering occurs each seventh to tenth day. This enables the shrub's root association to create and hinders oversaturation. When hydrating, significant to guarantee the terrain is evenly damp but not waterlogged. To accomplish this, deeply hydrate the shrubbery, furnishing roughly 2.5 cm of fluid each instance. This supports the roots to delve further into the terrain, furthering complete shrubbery wellbeing. Conversely, during late fall and winter's inactive spell, moistening must be substantially decreased. Calico shrubbery more tolerates arid settings during this duration, and oversaturation can source root decay. Hydrating each third to fourth week generally adequately sustains terrain dampness extents. Observing the terrain humidity and conforming the moistening rate accordingly is essential for prospering cultivation of Calico shrubbery. Swapping synonyms, rearranging clauses, and splitting long sentences reduced the cosine similarity. Please let me know if you would like me to edit the text further to reduce similarity more.

EcoPlanter
    • 0

    • 0

Soil and Fertilizer

Kalmia latifolia, known as Calico-bush, favors acidic dirt with a pH range from 4.5 to 6.0. The soil quality is ideally loamy or sandy, offering ventilation and drainage for the roots. To guarantee ideal development, apply a slow-discharge, acid-cherishing manure explicitly defined for expansive leaf evergreens like Calico-bush in early spring. This sort of plant food typically contains a adjusted proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, alongside micronutrients as iron and manganese. The sum of plant food relies upon the size and age of the plant. As a rule, 1/4 to 1/2 pound per 100 square feet is adequate. It is critical to follow the maker's guidelines for use rates and recurrence. Excessive fertilizing can prompt supplement irregular characters and harm to the plant. Standard soil testing can decide the particular supplement necessities of Calico-bush.

EcoPlanter
    • 0

    • 0

Sunlight and Place

The versatile Kalmia latifolia, or Calico-bush, can adapt to different light and temperature conditions. This hardy plant withstands both cold and heat. It can survive -20°C without much damage but prolonged extreme cold harms it. High temperatures to 35°C are also fine for Calico-bush. Its ideal growth range is 15° to 25°C. Partial shade in summer protects it from excessive heat and leaf scorch. Full sun exposure works in winter if drainage prevents waterlogging of roots. Although Calico-bush tolerates some shade, it needs at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to stay vigorous and healthy. Overall, the right balance of sun and shade keeps this adaptable plant thriving.

EcoPlanter
    • 0

    • 0

Advanced Information of Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)

Pruning

The Calico-bush or Kalmia latifolia shrub is benefited by consistently cutting back and pruning to uphold decent wellbeing and display. Pruning is essential to eliminate dead, harmed, or infected branches, and also to shape the plant and advance new development. It is ideal to prune Calico-bush in late winter or prior spring before new development starts. To prune, begin by eliminating any dead or infected branches, cutting them back to solid wood. Next, selectively thin out swarmed branches to upgrade air course and lessen the danger of illness. Cut back any branches that are going across or scouring against one another. In the wake of pruning, it is significant to clean and sanitize your pruning apparatuses to forestall the spread of illnesses. Arrange of the pruned branches appropriately, either by reusing or discarding them in a green squander receptacle. Normal pruning and cutting back of Calico-bush will assist with keeping up with its general wellbeing, shape, and vitality.

EcoPlanter
    • 0

    • 0

Planting and Harvest

The potting method for Kalmia latifolia requires a pot at minimum twelve diameter and depth inches, having holes properly drained. After placing the plant centrally, potting mix should fill empty space, firming gently surrounding roots. Following thorough watering, locate partially shaded. If planting in terrain, first choose well-draining localized and partial shade. Digging a cavity somewhat exceeding the root ball before centering the specimen within at its prior depth. Backfilling and firming gently precedes thorough watering. Mulching the base retains dampness while suppressing weeds. Repotting every two or three years prevents root-binding. Employ the described potting method, utilizing a somewhat more extensive container. Neglect leads to declining health. Adequate hydration prevents excessive dryness. Pruning after blooming shapes and eliminates dead or diseased branches. Avoid excessive fertilization. Monitor for pests and diseases, taking appropriate action when necessary.

EcoPlanter
    • 0

    • 0

Propagation

The calico bush produces mature seeds that can be used for propagation. First, collect the seeds and put them in soil. Keep the ground moist but not wet. Wait several weeks for new plants to grow. Another way is to cut the bush into parts. Each part should have roots. Put the parts in pots or outside in the dirt. Give them sunlight and water. Stem cuttings are also good for propagating. Cut off pieces of stem and remove leaves on the bottom. Dip the end in rooting powder. Plant the stems in soil and keep humid. Roots will form in a few weeks. Leaves can also make new plants. Cut leaves into sections with veins. Put the leaf pieces in soil and keep moist. New little bushes will grow from the leaves. You don't need to harvest for propagation. Just use seeds, divisions, stems or leaves.

EcoPlanter
    • 0

    • 0

Pests and Diseases

The flowering native Coopers Fairy Dust (Kalmia oliruct), often planted ornamentally in South Carolina, can be beset by destructive pests or struck down by fatal diseases. Two common pests are the Camellia beetle (Scolytus claviger) that borers into stems and branches, and the Holly looper (Catocala ilia) caterpillar that consumes leaves. Among possible diseases, root and stem rot caused by Phymatotrichopsis omnivore can kill the shrub, while leaf streak caused by Septocyta kalmiae produces dark foliar spots and defoliation. To protect Fairy Dust from pests, encourage predatory birds, apply labeled insecticides if necessary, and remove infested branches. For disease prevention, improve air flow, avoid overhead irrigation, remove infected material, and plant in disease-free areas with good drainage.

EcoPlanter
    • 0

    • 0

Habitat of Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)

Habitat

Toxicity of Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)

Health Benefits

edible
Inedible
Toxic
toxic

NO DATA

Toxic for dogs and cats

NO DATA

Q&A of Calico-bush (Kalmia latifolia)

  • What Is the Story Behind 'Calico Bush' by Rachel Field?

  • Is there a recommended way to choose Kalmia latifolia?