Delicate plant packs toxic punch

A plant I've always thought to be overlooked is Kalmia latifolia, a member of the Ericaceae family and a close relative to Rhododendron.

A dwarf cultivar of the species, Kalmia latifolia "Elf" is in flower at present.

The petite flower buds set weeks before opening and are just as ornamental as the flowers themselves.

The pink buds are followed by a dainty cup-shaped pale pink flower which fades to white.

This evergreen plant ensures year-round interest with its somewhat dense and compact habit and shiny dark green leaves.

Although delicate in appearance, this wee plant can pack a real punch as the entire plant is highly toxic if ingested.

However, the toxic chemicals it produces also act as a natural insecticide; consequently, the plant is rarely troubled by pests.

Kalmia latifolia "Elf" can be used as mass planting in shrub borders and woodland gardens, and works well alongside rhododendrons and azaleas.

Kalmia can be quite a difficult plant to propagate.

Seed can be collected and sown in mid- to late winter, or it can be propagated from cuttings taken in late summer.

Seed should be scarified before being sown; this is to allow water to enter the seed to assist with germination.

- Originates from the rocky mountainous slopes of eastern North America

- Flowers late spring to early summer

- Located in the Clive Lister Garden and Lindsay Creek border at Dunedin Botanic Garden

- Requires an acidic soil with good drainage and plenty of organic matter.

- Leaf-mould and pine-needle mulch is best.

- Frost-hardy

- 60cm-90cm in height by 60cm-90cm wide

- Requires half sun, but will grow in full sun if not in a hot location.

Bridie Gibbings is a horticultural intern at Dunedin Botanic Garden.