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Kalmiopsis leachiana

Image of Kalmiopsis leachiana

Family

Ericaceae

Botanical Name

Kalmiopsis leachiana

Plant Common Name

Siskiyou Kalmiopsis

General Description

Deriving its generic name from its mountain-laurel-like blooms, this small evergreen shrub is a rare endemic of dry sunny ridges in the Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon. It is sometimes confused in commerce with the closely related and even rarer Kalmiopsis fragrans. Neither species takes readily to cultivation.

The dark green, leathery, oval leaves of Siskiyou kalmiopsis are densely borne on low, upright, purplish or gray stems. The foliage is mildly fragrant. Clusters of as many as 15 small, cup-shaped, purple-pink flowers appear at the stem tips in spring. Plants may rebloom later in the growing season. Five-valved seed capsules follow the blooms, but self-sowing rarely occurs. Larger, more trailing plants sold under this name are probably selections or hybrids of K. fragrans, which is further distinguished by its more strongly scented leaves.

This hardy but hard-to-please shrub requires full to partial sun, moderate summers, and moist, porous, acidic soil. It fails in hot humid climates. It makes a choice specimen for an accommodating niche in a rock garden or woodland planting.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    7 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    8"-20" / 20.3cm - 50.8cm

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Northwestern United States

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink, Rose

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Purple, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Alpine, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No