About
A compact evergreen shrub to 15cm tall, with small, oval leaves and dense clusters of white flowers 6mm wide, opening from deep pink buds in late spring and 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
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
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 humus-rich, moist but well-drained, acid soil in partial or deep shade. In frost-prone areas, protect from cold, drying winds. Can spread widely due to suckers
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in spring, sow on surface of compost and place pots outdoors. Propagate by potting up rooted suckers in spring
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