About
A suckering evergreen shrub forming a mound of erect stems with narrow leaves and clusters of deep red bowl-shaped flowers in early summer.
About the genus
Kalmia are evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or corymbs of bowl-shaped flowers in spring or summer
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toE. North America
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained acidic soil in partial shade
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility