Overview
Kalmia cuneata is a bushy shrubs in the genus Kalmia, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Kalmia cuneata grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens.
About
Kalmia cuneata is a species of flowering plant in the heath family known by the common name whitewicky, sometimes spelled white-wicky or white wicky. It is native to the eastern United States, where it occurs only in North Carolina and South Carolina. Kalmia cuneata is a shrub growing up to 1.5 to 2 meters (5-6.7 feet) tall. It is deciduous, a key identifying characteristic. In the garden it prefers partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens. It tolerates acid soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, west-facing, east-facing and south-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Kalmia cuneata
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Kalmia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Kalmia cuneata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kalmia cuneata
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
- Pest resistance
- Mealybugs, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Kalmia cuneata?
Kalmia cuneata prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Kalmia cuneata need?
Kalmia cuneata grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Kalmia cuneata hardy in the UK?
Kalmia cuneata has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Kalmia cuneata?
Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.
More in the Kalmia genus
- Kalmia angustifolia 'Rubra Nana'
- Kalmia latifolia 'Goodrich'
- Kalmia latifolia 'Tiddlywinks'
- Kalmia microphylla
- Kalmia procumbens from Japan