About
Slow-growing, compact, dense, evergreen shrub about 1.2m high with small, lance-shaped, glossy dark green leaves to 5cm long. From late spring to midsummer, dome-shaped flowerheads of small, distinctively crimped cup-shaped pale pink flowers open from pink buds.
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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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, or in sun where the soil remains reliably moist; mulch in spring with leaf mould or well-rotted pine needles. Suitable for container cultivation in ericaceous (lime-free) potting compost, for a shady position
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer or layering in late summer
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