About
Kalmia angustifolia, the sheep laurel, is a bushy, evergreen shrub to 90 cm slowly forming a thicket of erect stems bearing narrow, dark-green leaves. Dense terminal clusters of rose-red, bowl-shaped flowers to 1.5 cm across are produced in early summer. A rewarding and ornamental shrub for a moist, acidic border.
About the genus
Kalmia are evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or corymbs of bowl-shaped flowers in spring or summer. Native to North America, they require moist, acidic, humus-rich soil and are excellent companions for rhododendrons and other ericaceous plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesRock garden, Cottage and informal garden
Native toNorth America
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. 9707,kalmia-cuneata,Kalmia cuneata,white wicky,Kalmia cuneata
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained acidic soil in partial shade
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility