Overview
Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec' is a bushy alpine rockery in the genus Kalmiopsis, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock garden and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Kalmiopsis leachiana, commonly referred to as Siskiyou kalmiopsis, is a rare flowering plant endemic to the Siskiyou Mountains of southwest Oregon, where it is specially protected in the 179,755-acre (727.4 km2) Kalmiopsis Wilderness reserve. It was discovered in 1930 by Lilla Leach in the Gold Basin area.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Kalmiopsis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock garden, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec'
- Propagation
- Seed sown at 6-12°C in spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec'?
Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec' need?
Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec' hardy in the UK?
Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Kalmiopsis leachiana 'Marcel le Piniec'?
Seed sown at 6-12°C in spring, Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.