Overview
Kalmia microphylla is a bushy shrubs in the genus Kalmia, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Kalmia microphylla 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 microphylla, known as alpine laurel, bog laurel, swamp-laurel, western bog-laurel or western laurel, is a species of Kalmia of the family Ericaceae. It is native to North America and can be found throughout the western US and western and central Canada below the subarctic. Grow it in partial shade and loam soil. In UK gardens it is very hardy across most of the UK (RHS H6). It works well for 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 part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Kalmia microphylla
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 microphylla 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 microphylla
- 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 microphylla?
Kalmia microphylla prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Kalmia microphylla need?
Kalmia microphylla grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Kalmia microphylla hardy in the UK?
Kalmia microphylla 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 microphylla?
Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer.
More in the Kalmia genus
- Kalmia angustifolia 'Rubra Nana'
- Kalmia latifolia 'Goodrich'
- Kalmia latifolia 'Tiddlywinks'
- Kalmia cuneatawhite wicky
- Kalmia procumbens from Japan