Trees and Shrubs: Kalmia latifolia 'Firecracker'
Botanical name: Kalmia latifolia 'Firecracker'
Common name: Firecracker mountain laurel
Planted
1
time
at a glance
Soil: | damp, acidic, sand |
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Sun: | |
Zones: | 4a thru 5b |
Care: |
average
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Lifespan: |
perennial
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Category: | |
Attributes: |
deer resistant, butterfly attracting |
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description for "Trees and Shrubs: Kalmia latifolia 'Firecracker'"
Kalmia 'Firecracker' is an easy care mountain laurel ideal for gardens up to Zone 5 and, if protected, works great in Zone 4. With a mature height of 3’x 2’ in 10 years, the Firecracker is a compact plant that is great for foundational plantings or to complement broadleaf evergreens. Since mountain laurel are “off-limits†to deer, it’s ideal for woodland settings. “Firecracker is a real crowd pleaser,†says Dan Meier, production manager at Briggs. “The deep red flower buds open to near white blooms that seem to explode with color, creating a spectacular contrast of red and white flowers that bloom simultaneously.†Among its many great attributes, Kalmia ‘Firecracker’ is resistant to leaf spot, a common problem with mountain laurels. It blooms from late spring to early summer and is best in full sun in a cool, moist, well-drained, acidic soil. ‘Firecracker’ also performs well in partial shade.
History:
Briggs Nursery grows over 9 million plants each year and produces a wide range of broad leaf evergreens and deciduous flowering plants so this exciting offering will be a “Firecracker†winner that is sure to explode onto the landscaping scene in 2009.