Woody > Kalmia > Kalmia latifolia > Kalmia latifolia 'Elf'
Kalmia latifolia
'Elf'
Origin: The cultivar ‘Elf’ is considered the very first dwarf Mountain Laurel and was introduced by the Dick Jaynes and Briggs nursery in 1982. The nursery is a large plant production and sales centre located in Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America. The nursery was renamed a short time later to Broken Arrow Nursery.
Mike's
Opinion
"
The Elf Mountain Laurel’s beautiful, lush, dark green leaves contrasted by its breathtaking clusters of reddish pink buds and white and pink blooms make for a spectacle of a sight. The foliage’s tendency to keep its colour year-round and contorted, irregular, red-brown branches make it a sight even when the flowers are not present. Although they do take some work to ensure full beauty potentials are met and inexperienced gardeners may have trouble with it, the payoff is definitely worth the effort. I also quite like other cultivars of the Mountain Laurel other than the Elf; cultivars like ‘Little Linda’, ‘Minuet’, and ‘Big Boy’ are all beautiful specimens, though I am preferential toward the dwarf varieties, as they as less likely to become too large for the given landscape. The white flowers of the ‘Elf’ also pair very nicely with all colour combinations within the garden. Though they can be a lot of work, the Kalmia latifolia ‘Elf’ should be given great consideration when looking for great colour and winter interest in your gardens and landscapes.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Ericaceae |
| Genus |
| Kalmia |
| Species |
| latifolia |
| Cultivar |
| 'Elf' |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Shrub (evergreen) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 4 - 9 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 4b - 9a |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H4 - H7 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| (-31) - (-4) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| (-25) - 25 |
| Height |
| 0.6 - 0.9 m |
| Spread |
| 0.6 - 1.2 m |
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| The Kalmia latifolia ‘Elf’, common name Elf Mountain Laurel, is a small, round, broad leaf evergreen shrub of the Ericaceae family. It has dark green foliage backdropping light pink flower buds which will emerge white or very light pink in late spring to early summer. Multi-stemmed with twisted branches. As the cultivar name would suggest, it is a dwarf form of Mountain Laurel. |
| Landscape |
| This contrast of the dark leaves and bright white flowers make this shrub an ideal choice in most landscapes. Works well as a low hedge, bordering around gardens and when planted in masses. Commonly used in rustic gardens, woodland or natural gardens as well as foundation plantings. Prefers partial shade and may also be potted and placed on deck areas or inside. Noted as complimenting other members of the heath (Ericaceae) family like Azalea and Rhododendron. Fruit of brownish colour may appear if not dead headed. Mountain Laurels are also poisonous to many animals and potentially people, so consideration needs to be made when planting. |
| Cultivation |
| Kalmia latifolia ‘Elf’ can be a hard plant to grow, especially here in Southwestern Ontario, Canada where we have soil that is typically alkaline. They like acidic soils that are well-drained but still moist, rich, and have a fair amount of organic matter. Soil temperature should also be kept cool. Mulching can help with overall temperature and moisture in the root zone of the plant. |
| Shape |
| This shrub should grow relatively round or ovular and more dense than other non-dwarf specimens. Though it grows relatively symmetrically, as the plant matures it will spread and the overall width may start to out-grow the height by about 0.25 m – 0.5 m. |
| Growth |
| Slow |
| ID Characteristic |
| A dwarf broad-leaf evergreen shrub with dark green and yellow elliptical or elliptical-lanceolate leaves that are usually tightly arranged in an alternate pattern. Deep pink flower buds grow upright in corymb formations in early spring with beautiful, perfect, cup like blooms emerging in late spring or early summer. Their colour will be a bright white, very light pink or mix of the two with pink on the inner corolla. Branches are a combination of red and brown in colour, irregularly shaped, and cracked with age. Leaves are much closer to one another in comparison to other Kalmia latifolia cultivars. Small light brown dehiscent capsules (fruit) will appear after flowering period. |
| Pests |
| Issues can arise if Mountain Laurels have poor site conditions or if it is planted in the wrong place. Planting in full sun can lead the lush green of the foliage to turn yellow or burn. This can also lead to the soil of the root zone becoming too warm and can kill the plant. Shaded areas can lead to the loss of the amount of their signature flowers that it produces. If soils are too neutral or alkaline the overall vigour can be reduced. Blights, leaf spots, and root rot may occur if roots are constantly saturated. Insects that may harm Mountain Laurels include Weevils, Whiteflies, Rhododendron Borers, and Lace Bugs. |
| Habitat |
| Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| New stems are slightly sticky and will first appear a light green. As the seasons progress, they turn a reddish brown. As the plant continues to mature, the bark will lose its red colouring and become prominently brown; maturity may also see the bark begin to crack and expose the red colour. The inner pith is a light green colour and will be solid. Stems grow slowly and quite vigorously and can become overgrown or leggy if not pruned back. Older stems and trunk area of the Elf Mountain Laurel will be twisted and rough. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Flower buds are rounded or ovular in shape, resembling that of a medieval flange mace, and grow in corymb inflorescent formations. They are a mix of white and pink with the pink markings being more prominent on the pointed parts. This pink is more noticeable on buds that recently appear, but fades as the bloom approaches opening. Sepals are green with a deep pink mix and the pedicel is a mix of hues of pink. They measure about 1 to 2.5 cm in both width and length when first emerging; buds will grow to 3 to 4 cm just before opening. Flower stems are anywhere from 2.4 to 6 cm. Small, sticky hairs of a clear-white and pink colour will be present throughout the flower bud structure. Leaf buds grow very close to each other, one scale and elongated shape. They are a much lighter shade of green even compared to the light green of the newly formed leaves. Measure about 1 to 2 cm and there is little to no petiole on the bud. Like the flower buds, tiny, sticky hairs, clear-white in colour. |
| Leaf Description |
| The Kalmia latifolia ‘Elf’ has beautiful foliage that will remain on the shrub year-round. |
| Flower Description |
| Although ‘Elf’ Mountain Laurel is a dwarf cultivar, the flowers are just a bit smaller than the straight species. They will be rounded, shaped like a cup and emerge in mid to late spring. A single flower will measure at approximately 1.9 cm to 2.54 cm with the clusters of corymbs, reaching a width of 10 cm to 15.5 cm. Flowers are perfect, and will have five bright white or very pale pink petals. Inner corolla will have small pink markings. 10 stamens with white filament and dark pink anther. Pistil’s style is also white, and stigma is a lighter pink than the anther of the stamen. Ovary may appear light green, pedicel is a deep pink-red and the receptacle will be a green and pink-red mix. Calyx is a green-pink mix and small, sticky hairs will be evident on the stalk, bracts and outer part of petals. Flowers are very showy, can be used for cuttings and will also attract pollinators. |
| Fruit Description |
| Simple fruit known as a dehiscent capsule, meaning they will dry and crack open to dispense seed upon maturity. Each capsule will have five valves holding the seeds. They will be round or ovular, light brown or tan in colour and measure at 0.4 cm to 0.5 cm. Fruiting will most likely occur when spent flowers are not dead headed. |
| Colour Description |
| New foliage will emerge light green and turn a dark green on their top and yellowish green on the bottom. Once leaves mature, if insects or other pests don’t disturb it, they will keep their colour all year. Stem will appear green upon initial emergence and will turn a mix of green, red and brown as the seasons progress. The bark will become dominantly brown as the plant ages, but cracking can let the hues of red and green reemerge adding a splash of colour. The flower colour makes for an extravagant mid spring to early summer display. Stalks of flowers will be a deep-red pink mix with some areas looking light green. Flower buds are mostly light pink, though parts may look white and the flowers petals are a bright white with pink marks on the corolla. Pistils and stamen are also a combination of white and pink. Small fruit capsules are tan or light brown and is not ornamental. |
| Texture Description |
| Kalmia latifolia ‘Elf’ is overall quite dense and has a medium texture. This texture will remain all year round with no change. |
| Notable Specimens |
| Several noteworthy specimens of the ‘Elf’ cultivar, as well as many other mature and well-established cultivars of Kalmia latifolia can be found at Broken Arrow Nursery located in Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America. The creator of the plant, Dick Jaynes, opened Broken Arrow Nursery to further his research of Mountain Laurels. |
| Propagation |
| Propagation of the Elf Mountain Laurel is most frequently done through softwood cuttings. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| Due to this plant’s high toxic levels and potential to harm people it has a bit of a sinister past. Branches are used to make rustic furniture because of their sporadic shape. However, today the Kalmia latifolia ‘Elf” is primarily used for its ornamental value in landscapes due to its extremely showy flowers. |
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