Kalmiopsis

( kal - mee - OP - siss )

At-A-Glance Information

This small genus of shrubs includes two species. They reach about 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide at maturity, and need partial shade and regular water to perform well in the landscape. Rose to pink flowers bloom in early spring and dark green leaves cover branches. Use these shrubs as foundation plantings, as specimens in alpine or rock gardens, or in mixed beds and borders. Take care when planting these shrubs in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic if ingested by humans or pets.

Kalmiopsis Species and Varietals

The genus Kalmiopsis is a small genus of two species in the plant family Ericaceae, making it related to Kalmia, Rhododendron, and Rhodothamnus. These plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 7-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-6 and 14-17. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Kalmiopsis fragrans (North Umpqua Kalmiopsis, Fragrant Kalmiopsis, Umpqua Kalmiopsis)
These plants are very similar in looks to those of Kalmiopsis leachiana, and were once considered to be a subspecies. Individual plants reach to between 3 and 10 feet tall when mature, with green leaves and dark pink flowers with long stamens and pistils.

Kalmiopsis leachiana (Siskyou Kamiopsis, North Umpqua Kalmiopsis)
This species is endemic to the Siskyou Mountains in southwestern Oregon, and forms an evergreen shrub that reaches just under a foot tall at maturity. Flowers are dark pink, and have a similar look to those of Rhododendron shrubs. These plants are considered rare, and are protected in some areas. The species was discovered in 1930 by Lilla Leach while she was exploring the Gold Basin area in the Siskiyou National Forest.

Caring for Kalmiopsis

Take care when planting these shrubs in the landscape, as plant parts are toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Plant Kalmiopsis shrubs in a space in the landscape that receives full sun to partial shade; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. They are native to understory environments, however, and morning sun with dappled shade in the afternoon when temperatures are at their peak is ideal. Ensure that soil is well-draining, very rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.0 and 6.0 (acidic). They prefer humus-rich but gritty/rocky substrate for best results. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.

Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, they prefer evenly moist soil. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches feels dry to the touch. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. These plants bloom primarily on old wood, so it is recommended to prune immediately after the spring flowering season concludes. Kalmiopsis plants can survive for decades to centuries in the landscape, and are slow-growing. They typically take about 10 years to reach their full height in garden cultivation.

Propagation

Kalmiopsis shrubs can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Kalmiopsis shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Kalmiopsis by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch semi-hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Kalmiopsis by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.