About
Kalmiopsis leachiana is a dwarf, evergreen shrub to 30 cm with small, oval, glossy, dark-green leaves. In spring it produces clusters of small, deep rosy-pink, bell-shaped flowers at the shoot tips. A charming and rewarding plant for a moist, acidic rock garden or peat bed.
About the genus
Kalmiopsis are small, evergreen shrubs in the heather family (Ericaceae) from Oregon, with simple, obovate leaves and short terminal racemes of small, cup-shaped flowers in spring. Grown in moist, acidic, humus-rich conditions in rock gardens and peat beds.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesRock garden
Native toUSA (Oregon)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich, lime-free soil. Grow in full sun where the soil remains cool and moist or in partial shade.
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 6-12°C in spring or propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free