Kalmia latifolia

Kalmia latifolia, also called mountain laurel or broadleaf spoonbush, is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with a bushy, wide-growing shape. It flowers in June and July with soft pink cup-shaped flowers arranged in dense clusters around the stems. The leaves are narrow, oval, lanceolate and dark green in color. Kalmia latifolia likes a position in partial shade or with filtered sunlight and sheltered from harsh winds, it prefers slightly acidic, well-moisturized soil. Pruning should only be done with older plants to rejuvenate, completely pruning back one third of the older branches. This Kalmia is very hardy, zone 3-9, fairly coast tolerant and has a beautiful autumn colour.