Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire'

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Golden_Eagle Wauseon, OH(Zone 5a) Aug 13, 2011

I am looking to replace a Miss Kim Lilac bush which has borers in it and is dieing with a Kalmia latifolia 'Olympic Fire'. I have never seen this bush and would like to know if anyone has it and your feeling about it.

When does it bloom?
How big does it get? Can you keep it at one height?
Is it a beautiful bush?
Would you buy it again if you were to replace it?
What are the PRO'S and CON'S about it in your landscape?

Post #8753484
Quote
Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) Aug 13, 2011

What soil pH do you have?

Lilacs like lime-rich soil; Kalmias like acidic soils. If the one grew OK, the other may well not.

Resin

Post #8753507
Quote
Golden_Eagle Wauseon, OH(Zone 5a) Aug 13, 2011

PH of 7

Do you have any suggestion on what type of bush to plant?

Post #8753527
Quote
Weerobin Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a) Aug 18, 2011

I think kalmias are challenging in the midwest.
At least in my midwestern yard.
If you're dying for a kalmia, go for it.
I've seen some at Mo Bot Garden which look OK.
Not great like on the east coast.
But another shrub may be less fussy.
What exposure? Sun/shade? How tall a plant are you looking for?

Post #8763692
Quote
killdawabbit Christiana, TN(Zone 6b) Aug 21, 2011

I just planted Olympic Fire this spring. It is doing very well for me. I can't tell you how big it will get under your conditions. I love Kalmias. I also have two species latifolias, Big Boy and Nathan Hale.
I strongly suggest you plant them on berms of an acidic soil mix. It shouldn't matter what your regular soil is below the berm. I use a mix of one part good loam, 3 or 4 parts Sphagnum moss and 1 or 2 parts composted organic matter like rotted hardwood mulch or something similar.
I plant all my kalmias, rhodies, azaleas this way and have excellent beautiful, vigorous green shrubs. Flowering of course depends on how much light they get.

Post #8768818
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP