About
A prostrate, native, evergreen shrub forming low mounds or large mats of creeping stems rooting freely along the ground with tiny, leathery dark green leaves about 8mm long. Clusters of small, bell-shaped pink flowers produced at the ends of the stems in late spring.
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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming, Trailing
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toNorthern Hemisphere (Arctic, sub-Acrtic, sub-Alpine)
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 moisture-retentive, humus-rich, acid soil in part shade, or in sun if soil remains reliably moist. Mulch anually with leaf mould or composted pine needles
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer or by 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