Kalmiopsis leachiana 'LePiniec' form
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Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: kal-mee-OP-sis leech-ee-AH-na
GROWING GUIDE
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Geographic Origin:
Oregon.
Plant Group:
Subshrub.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 4-6, 14-17.
USDA zones: 7-9.
Heat zones: 9-7.
Mature size:
Height: 12 inches (30 cm).
Width: 12 inches (30 cm).
Flowering period:
Late March to early April.
Flowering attributes:
Racemes of cup-shaped flowers with 1/2 inch long, rose-pink petals.
Leaf attributes:
Glossy, 1 1/4-inch long, oval, green leaves.
Growth habit:
Clump-forming.
Light:
Partial shade to full sun.
Soil:
Gritty, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed in spring. | Take cuttings in summer.
Pruning Methods:
Minimal pruning after flowering is over to remove dead branches.
Rainy Side Notes
Endemic to southwestern Oregon, Kalmiopsis leachiana is a beautiful shrub that grows handsomely draped down rock walls or in the rock garden. In 1930, Lilla Leach discovered this small, one species genus growing in the Siskiyou Mountains in southwestern Oregon. Its name Kalmiopsis, comes from its resemblance (–opsis) to Kalmia shrubs. Its epithat, leachiana, honors its discoverer.
How many shrublets can boast they have a wilderness area named after it? If a Kalmiopsis had pride, their tiny seed heads would be huge, because the U.S. Forest Service named its major nativity the Kalmiopsis Wilderness! The ‘LePiniec’ form was later found further north in the Umpqua River Valley.
I’ve grown this little shrub in my garden since 1999. From a tiny start to mature height and width of twelve inches, it grows gracefully and is easy to care for. I planted it in the shade of a large rhododendron, pruned as a small tree with trunks exposed underneath for more planting space. The Kalmiopsis receives morning light and afternoon shade once the sun reaches overhead. I give the shrublet a deep watering every other week during our annual drought; however, when I first planted it, I watered it more frequently. Although I provide pruning recommendations, I’ve never needed to prune my own. As long as you provide it with its basic needs, Kalmiopsis is a charming, easy care, native shrub.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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