About
Kalmia polifolia, the bog laurel, is a small, evergreen shrub to 60 cm with sparse, slender branches and thin, glossy, dark-green leaves. In mid- and late spring it produces purple-pink, saucer-shaped flowers. An ornamental shrub for a moist to wet, acidic border or bog garden.
About the genus
Kalmia are evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or corymbs of bowl-shaped flowers in spring or summer. Native to North America, they require moist, acidic, humus-rich soil and are excellent companions for rhododendrons and other ericaceous plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Clay
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toN North America
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. 9710,kalmiopsis-leachiana,Kalmiopsis leachiana,kalmiopsis,Kalmiopsis leachiana is a dwarf
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, acidic soil enriched with acidic organic matter such as leaf mould, in part shade. Sun is tolerated if the soil is kept moist in summer
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by greenwood cuttings in summer, hardwood cuttings in midwinter, by seed in winter to early spring or by layering 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