The dark red buds of Olympic Fire open to pleasing pink blooms, making a sensational color contrast against the dark, evergreen foliage. This Mountain Laurel is a profuse bloomer.
Kalmia Mountain Laurel is considered by many to be the most beautiful flowering native shrub of eastern North America, and Olympic Fire may be one of the best Kalmias. Hybridized and selected by the late John Eichelser, noted Washington plantsman, this exciting clone has exceptionally glossy leaves and an excellent branching habit. Our offerings of this outstanding evergreen represent the spectacular diversity in flower color of the modern selections.
Olympic Fire reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and wide at maturity. Kalmia is slow to propagate, but very easy to grow in the garden in partial shade (especially in the South), and cool, moist, well-drained, aerated, acidic soil. Plant with the root ball high or almost above ground level, hilling up the base with a heavy mulch. Zones 4-8.
