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Kalmia (lat. Kalmia) is a genus of evergreen shrubs belonging to the Heather family. It has about ten species. North America is considered the birthplace of culture. The shrub is valued for its bright color of flowers, which look spectacular in combination with foliage. Recently, it has attracted the attention of landscape designers, which has served to increase its popularity. However, not all types of perennials are suitable for growing in the Moscow region. Therefore, you need to study in advance the photo and description of the kalmia, the varieties of which will be able to winter in the conditions of the middle lane and delight in lush flowering.
The beauty of kalmia is slightly inferior to rhododendron
Description of Calmia
This woody plant retains its decorative effect all year round. Its height varies from 30 cm to 2,5 m. The shoots are upright, branched. Initially, they have a greenish color with a reddish tint, but when ripe they become brown.
Leaves in appearance resemble laurel plates. They have an elongated oval shape with a pointed end. Calmium plates are 3-15 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide. Their surface is bright green, smooth, and the reverse side is light gray, rough. The leaves are arranged oppositely or spirally on the shoots. The perennial has a shallow root system. It consists of many thin processes.
The flowering period occurs in late May, early June or mid-summer, depending on the species. Buds in diameter reach 1-3 cm. Kalmiya flowers, as seen in the photo, are collected in lateral umbellate inflorescences, which form several pieces on one shoot. This ensures the lush flowering of the perennial for 3-4 weeks.
A feature of Kalmia is the unusual cross-pollination of its flowers. In the closed state, the stamens of the plant rest against the recesses on the petals, and when the buds open, they deviate to the sides. But as soon as the insect enters the bud, a springy mechanism is activated and the stamen is released, generously showering it with pollen.
The shrub has fruit-boxes that appear on the plant at the end of summer. They contain many small seeds. The fruits ripen in September-October, depending on the species. At the same time, they open the valves and seeds spill out of them onto the soil. Therefore, every year the thickets of kalmia become thicker, if self-seeding is not controlled.
Types and varieties of calcium
Kalmiya has been cultivated since the 18th century. In horticulture, only certain types of culture are used, which are highly decorative and unpretentious. It was they who became the basis for the development of new varieties.
Calmia multifolia
In nature, the plant reaches a height of 80-180 cm, and in the backyard 60 cm and the same diameter of the growth of the bush. Kalmia multileaf (Kalmia polifolia) is characterized by a slow rate of development. The annual growth of the shrub is only a few centimeters. The shade of flowers in this type of culture is pink.
Calmia multifolia is also called marsh laurel.
Calmia angustifolia
This species can only be found in the wild. And only decorative varieties obtained on its basis are popular among gardeners. The stems of the narrow-leaved kalmia (Kalmia angustifolia) are no more than 6 cm long and about 2,5 cm wide. The wild-growing form is characterized by a pink tint of buds. This species blooms in June and continues for a month.
Varietal forms of Calmia angustifolia are mainly two-colored
Calmia recumbent
This is a miniature creeping plant. The leaves of Calmia recumbent (Kalmia procumbens) are leathery, dense, about 1 cm long, with a short petiole. The flowering period for this type of culture begins in July-August, and after a month fruits appear on the shrub. The flowers are five-dimensional, with recurved pointed petals. They are collected in apical umbrella inflorescences of 2-5 pieces.
Calmia recumbent is an evergreen ground cover
Calmia broadleaf
A tall type of culture, which in its natural habitat reaches a height of 1,5-3 m, and in some cases even 9 m. Broad-leaved Kalmia (Kalmia latifolia) is characterized by slow development, every year the shrub adds no more than 2 cm. Compared to narrow-leaved In appearance, this plant is less frost-resistant, but its buds are much larger.
Initially, the flowers are cup-shaped, and when fully bloomed, they become saucer-shaped. Basically, they have a pink tint of varying intensity. The species blooms in May-June on last year’s shoots.
Kalmiya broadleaf is a symbol of the State of Connecticut
Calmia small-leaved
This species is in many ways similar in flowers to the multi-leaved. But unlike the latter, his buds are collected in racemose, and not corymbose inflorescences. The plant is a compact shrub, the height of which reaches 50-80 cm, but sometimes 2 m. Small-leaved Kalmia (Kalmia microphylla) actively develops in spring and in the first half of summer. The branches of the shrub are initially pubescent green, but become red-brown or gray as they mature.
Calmia small-leaved flowers of pink or purple hues
Kalmia boxwood
The height of this species varies from 10 to 100 cm. The stems of the shrub are elastic, densely leafy and strongly branched, so the crown is lush spreading. The leaves are small, 2 cm long, with tips bent down. The color of the flowers is white or light pink. Kalmia boxwood (Kalmia buxifolia) is characterized by abundant flowering, when the buds open, the leaves are almost invisible.
Calmium boxwood inflorescences include 18 buds
Frost-resistant varieties
Calmia belongs to the category of heat-loving crops. And only the narrow-leaved species is characterized by increased winter hardiness. It withstands frosts down to -34 °C. Also, thanks to the selection, it was possible to increase the resistance of broad-leaved kalmiya to low temperatures. This made it possible to grow this perennial shrub in the conditions of the middle zone and the Moscow region.
Modern frost-resistant varieties of kalmia:
- Bando (Bandeau). Abundantly flowering shrub, up to 1,3 m high. The plant has dark green elliptical leaves and large pale pink flowers with maroon contrasting points. The variety blooms in late May, early June.
Bando is characterized by a slow growth rate
- Beacon. A German variety of Calmia that was registered in 2008. Shoots with a reddish tint. The leaves are dark green, up to 10 cm long. Buds of intense pink color up to 70 pieces in an inflorescence. There are dark red spots in the depressions under the anthers, and there is a clear red rim above the ovary.
Biacon has increased resistance to adverse external factors
- Elf (Elf). Miniature variety, bred in 1982. The height of the shrub reaches 80 cm, and the width is 70 cm. The leaves are small, dark green, leathery. The flowers are snow-white, but there is a scarlet “asterisk” on the cups.
Elf is resistant to leaf spot
- Black Label (Black Label). German variety of Calmia. At the age of ten, the height of the shrub, like the width, is 2,6 m. The leaves are small, dark green, leathery with a glossy surface. The main shade of the flowers is white, but inside there is a dark brown wide ring.
Black Label has up to 70 buds in an inflorescence
- Eva German winter-hardy variety obtained by crossing Nancy and Harmony species. Registered in 2009. Shrub spreading, with a moderate growth rate. At the age of ten, the height of the plant reaches 130 cm. The flowers are light pink in color with dark chestnut dashes at the points of contact of the stamens with the petals. The diameter of the buds when opened reaches 3 cm.
Eva is characterized by abundant flowering
Planting Calmia
For successful development and rapid adaptation of the seedling, it is necessary to plant it taking into account the requirements of the culture. But when working, you need to take into account that calcium is a poisonous plant, so it is recommended to take precautions.
For this heather culture, a place under the canopy of trees that form an openwork penumbra is suitable. After all, under direct sunlight, burns appear on the leaves of the plant. The site for kalmiya should be protected from cold gusts of wind.
When choosing a place to plant, you also need to take into account that the culture prefers acidic soil in the range of 4,5-5,5 pH. It is recommended to take out Kalmia seedlings to a permanent place in the spring, when the soil warms up well and the threat of return frosts has passed. It is best to purchase plants with a closed root system, as the culture reacts sharply to its drying out.
Two weeks before planting, it is necessary to prepare a hole measuring 50 by 50 cm. A layer of sand 5-7 cm thick should be poured onto its bottom to prevent moisture stagnation, and the rest of the volume should be filled with a nutrient mixture consisting of high-moor peat, leafy soil and coniferous litter in proportions 2:3:1.
The planting of this shrub is carried out according to the standard scheme. At the end of it, the root neck of the plant should be located at the level of the soil. After that, water the shrub abundantly, and the next day, mulch the soil at its base with humus. When planting several seedlings at the same time, the distance between them should be 80-120 cm, depending on the diameter of the growth of the bushes.
Calmia does not grow on clay and sandy soils
Calm Care
For the full development of narrow-leaved, broad-leaved kalmia, it is necessary not only to properly plant, but also to provide full care for the perennial. It involves the implementation of several main activities, the features of which you need to familiarize yourself with in advance.
Watering and top dressing
It is necessary to water the kalmia in the conditions of the Moscow region regularly in the absence of seasonal rains. Moisturizing is best done in the evening, using settled water. In especially hot periods, sprinkling on foliage is also recommended. Periodically, water for watering calcium should be acidified at the rate of 1 tsp. citric acid per 10 liters of water. This will improve the development of the shrub and the absorption of nutrients by the plant. It is recommended to water the kalmiya 1-2 times a week, depending on the air temperature.
Perennials need to be fed 1-2 times per season. In this case, you can use special mineral fertilizers for rhododendrons, taking into account their stage of development. You need to start feeding from the third year after planting the seedling, since before that the plant will use the nutrients added to the hole.
Trimming
Due to the slow growth rate of the shrub, it is necessary to trim the kalmia moderately, only to maintain its decorative effect. It is recommended to remove wilted inflorescences, as well as broken and damaged shoots. Calmium does not need a more cardinal pruning.
Wintering
The first 3-4 years after planting, the seedlings of this perennial must be insulated for the winter in the conditions of the Moscow region. Preparation should begin at the end of September. During this period, it is recommended to water the shrub, and then lay peat mulch at its base with a thickness of 10 cm.
After the onset of stable frosts around the shrub, it is necessary to install a wooden frame to the height of its growth, wrap it several times with agrofibre, and then cover it with spruce branches on top.
Methods of reproduction
To obtain new seedlings of this ornamental shrub, you can use seeds and cuttings. But the first option can only be used for the propagation of specific Calmia, since the grown plants do not retain varietal qualities.
Seeds
Perennial seeds must be collected in the fall. Inflorescences must be cut in advance and put on the windowsill until the fruit is fully ripe. The collected seeds are recommended to be mixed with wet peat, pour the mixture into a plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator for eight weeks. During this time, the material must not dry out.
Kalmia, grown from seeds, blooms for 6-7 years
At the end of the stratification, it is necessary to sow the seeds in wide containers filled with peat and sand in a ratio of 2: 1. And on top they need to be covered with a layer of sphagnum moss, as well as film or glass, which will maintain an optimal level of humidity. After that, it is recommended to transfer the container to a bright window sill and ensure the content regime is within + 21-22 ° С. Daily planting is recommended to air for 5-10 minutes.
Under all conditions, friendly shoots appear after 30 days. Calmia seedlings should be watered moderately and regularly. But at the same time, drying out or stagnation of moisture in the soil should not be allowed. When the seedlings get stronger, they need to be adapted to new conditions and the shelter completely removed. At stage 2-3 of true leaves, seedlings must be dived into separate containers. You can transfer them to open ground when they are strong enough.
Cuttings
The perennial can also be propagated vegetatively. For this, apical cuttings cut from annual shoots are suitable. They should be 5-7 cm long. Clean the cuttings below from the leaves and put them in the root-forming solution.
It is recommended to plant them in a soil mixture of peat, sand and perlite in a ratio of 2:2:1. The recommended content temperature is +22+24 °С. For successful rooting of cuttings, it is necessary to constantly keep the substrate slightly moist. Therefore, you need to make a small greenhouse and ventilate it regularly.
Diseases and pests of Kalmia
This perennial has a high natural immunity. But non-compliance with the rules of care leads to a decrease in its stability.
Possible problems:
- Chlorosis. You can recognize the disease by the light shade of the plates, but the veins remain green. The reason is the alkalization of the soil. In this case, the shrub should be watered with acidified water, and then fed.
- Whitefly. If they touch a bush, then a swarm of white flies flies up. To fight, you need to simultaneously water the shrub with Aktara and spray with Actellik. Repeat the procedure three times at intervals of a week.
- Leaf spotting. The disease develops during prolonged rainy weather. Dark spots form on the leaves, the size of which increases. This leads to a decrease in decorativeness. For treatment, it is necessary to spray the plant with Bordeaux mixture or copper sulphate.
Photo of Calmia in landscape design
Calmium shrub, as seen in the photo, has found wide application in landscape design. It can act as a tapeworm, and also look spectacular in group plantings. But, given the requirements of the culture, only plants that prefer acidic soil and diffused light are suitable as neighbors for this perennial.
Calmia is able to successfully disguise unsightly places in the garden.
Perennial can decorate the root zone of tall crops
Shrub plantings also look impressive against the background of stony boulders
Conclusion
Having studied the photo and description of the kalmiya, we can say that this perennial is able to become a real decoration of the garden and any personal plot. In order for the plant to be able to fully develop in the Moscow region, it is necessary to responsibly approach the choice of frost-resistant varieties. It is also recommended to take into account the main preferences of the shrub, since, like the rhododendron, it is demanding on the composition of the soil.
Reviews about growing kalmiya in the suburbs
