About
From late spring to midsummer it produces white buds that open to burgundy-red, star-shaped flowers, with five deeply separated lobes outlined in white with a small ring of white in the centre of the flower. Bushy evergreen shrub 1.5-1.8m high with lance-shaped, glossy dark green leaves. The flowers are recognisable and unusual for this species.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 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
PruningPruning group 8. Renovate, if necessary, over several seasons
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