OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 157 



Kalmia Latifolia. 



BROAD-LEAVED KALMIA; Nat. Ord. ERICACEAE. 



AN evergreen shrub, very hardy in our climate. It conies 

 from North America, and from its dwarf character and free- 

 blooming habit, it is not only one of the most useful shrubs, but 

 may be freely planted in connection with herbaceous subjects, 

 where it will help to redeem the deadness of beds and borders 

 during winter (see Fig. 56). Like the rhododendron, it grows to 

 various heights, according to the soil or situation in which it 

 may be planted, but 18in. to 2ft. is the size at which it may often 



FIG. 56. KALMIA LATIFOLIA. 

 (One-third natural size.) 



perhaps most often be seen producing its wealth of flowers. 

 There are many fine flowering shrubs, but they do not gain the 

 esteem in which this is held. Its large clusters of delicate 

 flowers, surmounting dark shining foliage, and which seem almost 

 too pure and beautiful to withstand the vicissitudes of the open 

 garden, are its winning points ; moreover, the flowers last several 

 weeks in perfection. The flowers are arranged in broad 

 panicles; the pedicels and five-cleft caly^x are a bright brown 

 colour, and furnished with short stiff hairs. The salver- shaped 

 corolla, which is white, pleasingly tinted with red, has a short 



