Hating waterlogged clay and lime; the Kalmias prefer and thrive on moist, light, slightly acid, WELL DRAINED soil in the cool, moist dappled shade under trees. They prefer the shade of coniferous trees such as Hemlock as full sun during winter can damage the foliage. Mulch lightly with leaf humus or shredded hardwood mulch to keep soil cool and moist. Mixing peat moss into the entire planting bed will improve establishment and growth. The fine roots on Kalmia may be unable to penetrate compacted soils or heavy clay. Fertilizing with Holly-tone during early spring, late spring, around July 1 and mid-autumn will also improve growth. During drought, it is recommended to water plants deeply once every week to 2 weeks, rather than frequently.
Little pruning is needed other than removing old flower heads to speed up and improve growth. Other pruning can be done during early spring if required. A well pruned plant will be more compact and dense than if left alone.
For reproducing; the seed should be collected immediately upon ripening in autumn and planted the following spring.
Layering is easy; you just set it down in the autumn then cut and separate the offspring a year later. Tip cuttings can be done in late summer but are difficult to root.
Transplanting should be done during autumn or spring before growth begins. The plant should be planted around 3 inches above grade sloping to base soil level at around 18 inches away with no turf / groundcover root competition within that area. Root growth on Kalmia is more vigorous during autumn. Never pick up a Kalmia by the stem as this can severely injure the root system. Always grab it by the container or below the roots.
The Kalmias are deer resistant! They should not be eaten by people either - they are not edible.
The species and some cultivars are prone to leaf spot while other cultivars are immune. Blight, scale, lacebug and borers may sometimes occur, however Kalmias are usually easy to grow if soil is acidic and well drained.
Kalmia angustifolia ( Sheep Laurel )
A dwarf, dense, bushy, mounding, upright shrub native to acidic bogs in northeast North America ( from far northern Ontario to Labrador and Newfoundland, south to central Michigan to Wiarton, Ontario to Niagara Falls to West Virginia to far northeast North Carolina ). It is endangered in West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Delaware. It is a slow growing, spreading dense bush to 3 feet or very rarely 6.5 x 6 feet. The Sheep Laurel is a very beautiful plant which should be utilized where adapted.
The oblong leaves, up to 3 x 1 ( rarely over 2 ) inches in size, are smooth, glossy deep green.
The rosy-red, saucer-shaped flowers, up to 0.5 inches across, are borne in dense clusters, up to 2 inches across, during early summer.
Pharmacology: entire plant is poisonous.
Hardy zones 1 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on moist, sandy or peaty, acidic soil.
Propagation is from seed sown during autumn. Cultivars can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken during summer.
* photo taken by Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photos taken on Nov 28 2015 @ Hickory Run State Park, PA
'Candida'
White flowers, otherwise identical.
subsp' Carolina' ( Carolina Laurel )
Foliage is downy beneath and the flowers are deep red. It is otherwise nearly identical to Kalmia angustifolia.
Carolina Laurel is native from northeast Tennessee to tidewater Virginia; south to northern Georgia to South Carolina.
* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
'Kennebago'
Vigorous with glossy foliage and deep rose-pink flowers.
'Poke Logan'
Vigorous with glossy foliage and bright pink flowers.
'Purpurflora'
Upright in habit, reaching up to 2.5 feet in height.
The linear leaves, up to 0.2 inches in length, are gray-green.
The flowers, up to 0.4 inches across, are deep purplish-red.
'Rubra'
Pink-red flowers with a long bloom period; otherwise identical to species.
* photos taken by Milan Havlis
'Stodge Meadow'
Upright in habit, reaching up to 3 feet in height.
The very profuse flowers are reddish-pink.
Kalmia cuneata
* historic archive photos
Kalmia hirsuta ( Sandhill Laurel )
Also called K. ciliata. An attractive small, evergreen shrub, reaching up to 2 feet in height, that is native to pine woods, pine-savanna and sand dunes in the southeast U.S. ( from southern Alabama to southeastern South Carolina; south to central Florida ).
The alternately-arranged, ovate to elliptical leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are hairy and gray-green.
Hardy zones 8 to 9 in full sun on very well drained soil.
* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
Kalmia latifolia ( Mountain Laurel, Calico Bush )
Native to oak & pine forests of eastern North America ( from southern Indiana to northeast Ohio to western New York State to southeast Quebec and northern Maine; south to northern Louisiana to northern Florida ). It is endangered in Louisiana, Florida, Vermont and Maine. It is often a dense bushy rounded large shrub around 10 feet but on ideal sites can also grow into s small tree reaching up to 20 x 20 feet in 20 years. Rarely larger; the largest trees ever recorded reach up to 50 x 20 feet with a massive trunk diameter up to 4 feet. Long lived up to 100 years or more.
The elliptic evergreen foliage is up to 4 or rarely 6 x 3.5 inches in size and smooth dark green above & paler below.
The flowers, up to 1 inch across, are typically pink in terminal clusters, up to 6 inches across. They typically bloom for a 2 to 4 week period during late spring into early summer ( unless otherwise noted on cultivars below ).
Hardy zones 3 to 9 in partial shade, preferring fertile, light, sandy, acid soil. Pruning not recomended - plants regenerate very slowly when cut back.
Propagation is by seed in autumn and by softwood cuttings in summer. Layering in fall also works. Is also commonly planted in the British Isles.
* photos taken on May 22 in Ellicott City, MD
This massive beauty is growing behind the Asian Gardens at the U.S. National Arboretum in DC
* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on June 7 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Mar 7 2013 in Wheaton, MD
* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photo taken by Daniel O. Todd @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photo taken by E.S. Shipp @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photos taken on June 7 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Apr 21 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken by W.H. Shaffer @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photo taken by Daniel O. Todd @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photo taken by W.D. Brush @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* historical archive photos
* photos taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
* photo taken on July 24 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 30 2015 @ Robinson Nature Center, Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 20 2016 in Olney, MD
* photos taken on Sep 18 2016 @ Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD
* photos taken on Apr 14 2017 @ Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD
* photo taken on June 5 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 30 2023 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 7 2022 in Columbia, MD
'Big Boy'
Compact and upright in habit, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet, with large foliage that resembles a Rhododendron. Some records include: 10 years - 6 x 5 feet.
The thick foliage is glossy deep green. The leaves are huge for a Kalmia.
The flowers are pale pink.
Hardy zones 4 to 8.
* photo taken by Milan Havlis
* photos taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
'Bullseye'
Rapid growing, dense, bushy and upright in habit, reaching a maximum size of 15 x 15 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 6 x 6 feet; fastest growth rate - 2 feet.
The wavy-edged leaves are bronze-red at first, turning to glossy deep green.
The deep purple flowers deep purple variegated with a white edge and center.
The flowers are borne on clusters, up to 4 inches across, over a period lasting up to 3 weeks during late spring.
The stems are purplish-red.
Hardy zones 4 to 8. Very tolerant of hot humid summers.
* photos taken by Milan Havlis ( havlis.cz )
* photos taken on Oct 7 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 19 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 5 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 15 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 2 2022 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 21 2024 in Columbia, MD
'Carol'
Compact, dense and broad-spreading in habit, reaching an eventual size up to 8 x 8 feet. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 15 inches; 10 years - 5 x 6 feet.
The thick, wavy-edged, broad leaves are glossy deep green.
The bright red flowerbuds open to white flowers.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, resistant to leaf spot.
* photo taken on May 14 2012 in Howard Co., MD
* photos taken on May 16 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 23 2017 in Columbia, MD
'Carousel'
Fast growing, dense and bushy, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 10 feet. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 14 inches; 10 years - 6 x 6 feet.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
The flowers are pink or red with white banding. They are borne in clusters up to 4 inches across.
The new stems and leaf stalks are reddish-purple.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, resistant to leaf spot.
* photo taken on May 14 2012 in Howard Co., MD
* photos taken on Oct 3 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Jun 20 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Dec 1 2017 in Howard Co., MD
'Elf'
Slow growing, compact, and stiff branched; it reaches a maximum size of 6 x 7 feet. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 15 inches; 10 years - 4 x 4 feet.
Young plants are upright, later becoming spreading.
This cultivar was developed by plant hybridizer Richard Jaynes.
The leaves are matte deep green rather than glossy.
The pure white flowers, up to 0.8 inches across, are pale pink in bud.
The stems are reddish.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it unfortunately prone to leaf spot - do not wet the foliage unless absolutely necessary.
* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on May 14 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
* photo taken on Dec 1 2017 in Howard Co., MD
'Firecracker'
Compact in habit, reaching up to 4 x 4 feet in 10 years, eventually more.
This cultivar was developed by plant hybridizer Richard Jaynes.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
The flowers are deep red in bud, opening to pinkish-white during early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it is resistant to leafspot.
* photos taken on May 22 2024 in Columbia, MD
'Freckles'
Vigorous in habit, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 5 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 3 x 4.5 feet.
The attractive foliage is glossy deep green.
White flowers with 10 bold deep purple spots arranged around the perimeter of the center. The flowers are pink in bud, they appear on the plants at a young age.
The shoots are reddish.
Hardy zones 4 to 8. Very shade tolerant and easy to grow.
'Galaxy'
Very vigorous and upright in habit, it can reach an eventual size of 8 x 8 feet. Some records include; 10 years - 4.5 x 3.5 feet.
The handsome foliage is glossy mid-green.
The deep red flowers are variegated with a white center and petal edges.
Hardy zones 4 to 7.
* photo taken by Milan Havlis
'Hearts Desire'
Dense and broad-spreading in habit, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 4 x 4.5 feet.
The foliage is purplish-red at first, turning to very glossy deep green.
The abundant flowers are deep red and edged in white.
They are borne on dense, large trusses during late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, resistant to leaf spot.
'Heart of Fire'
Originating as a seedling of 'Ostebo Red', it is vigorous and upright in habit, reaching around 6 x 6 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 5 x 4.5 feet.
The foliage is glossy green.
The large flowers are intense red in bud, opening to deep pink with darker edges.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, resistant to leaf spot and easier to grow than many cultivars.
* photos taken on May 22 2024 in Columbia, MD
'Kaleidoscope'
Dense and upright to rounded, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet in 10 years, eventually to 8 x 8 feet. This cultivar was developed by plant hybridizer Richard Jaynes.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
The stunning flowers are very deep red and variegated with white petal edges.
They are deep red in bud.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
* photo taken by Milan Havlis
'Keepsake'
Dense and rounded in habit, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet in 10 years, eventually more.
This cultivar was developed by plant hybridizer Richard Jaynes.
The attractive, very glossy broad leaves are red-bronze at first, turning to very glossy deep blue-green with a red tinge.
The flowers are purplish-red in bud. They open to deep red with a narrow white edge.
It is similar to 'Kaleidoscope' but the flowers are even deeper red contrasting with the white edge.
The new growth stems are bright pinkish-red.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, resistant to leaf spot.
'Little Linda'
Slow growing, compact, dense and rounded in habit, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 4 feet. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 1 feet; 8 years - 2.5 x 2.5 feet; 10 years - 3 x 3 feet. It is denser than 'Elf' in habit.
The small, ovate leaves are glossy to waxy deep green.
The red flower buds open to pinkish-white and fading to rich pink.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, resistant to leaf spot.
'Minuet'
Compact and dense in habit, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 5 feet.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 1 foot; 10 years - 4 x 4 feet.
This cultivar was developed by plant hybridizer Richard Jaynes.
The glossy deep green leaves are narrow and small.
The flowers, up to 1 inch across, are pale pink to nearly white with red-brown banding. The flowers which are large for a dwarf, are pink in bud.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, resistant to leafspot.
* photo taken on May 14 2012 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on Nov 3 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 4 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Dec 1 2017 in Howard Co., MD
* photos taken on Mar 18 2023 in Howard Co., MD
var myrtifolia
A subspecies from the southern portion of Kalmia latifolia's natural range that is more heat tolerant. It is also slower growing, reaching a maximum size of only 6 x 7 feet and is more heat tolerant. It is found in the wild on the Atlantic Coastal Plain as far south as southern Mississippi and northwest Florida.
The pointed leaves are smaller than Kalmia latifolia. They are purplish at first, turning to glossy deep green. The attractive foliage remains deep green during winter.
The pink flowers are borne duirng early summer.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in partial shade on very acidic, humus-rich, very well drained soil. It is moderately drought tolerant once fully established. A thick mulch of leaf compost is recommended during winter, especially in cold climates to protect the roots.
* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken by Milan Havlis
* photos taken on June 4 2014 in Columbia, MD
* historic archive photo
* photos taken on June 1 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 1 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 24 2022 in Columbia, MD
'Nathan Hale'
Compact, dense and rounded in habit, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 6 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 4 x 4 feet. It is great for use in large containers on the urban patio if shaded.
The thick, large leaves are reddish at first, turning to very glossy deep green.
The flowers are red in bud, opening to pale pink.
The flowers are borne during early summer, later than other species.
The stems are purplish-red.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it is resistant to leaf spot.
'Nipmuck'
Fast growing and upright in habit, it reaches up to 4.5 x 4 feet in 10 years, eventually more.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
The flowers are scarlet-red in bud, opening to soft pink or white.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
'Olympic Fire'
Vigorous, dense and upright in habit, it reaches up to 7 x 6 feet or rarely 15 x 15 feet. Some records include: growth rate - 6 inches, 10 years - 6 x 5 feet.
The thick, wavy-margined broad leaves are luxuriant glossy deep green.
The large flowers are bright red in bud. They open to bright pink during early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it is very resistant to leafspot.
* photos taken on Oct 27 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 30 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 26 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Dec 1 2017 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on Oct 6 2021 in Howard County, MD
* photo taken by Milan Havlis ( havlis.cz )
'Ostebo Red'
Vigorous, dense, compact and sturdy in habit, it reaches a maximum size of 15 x 15 feet after many decades. Some records include: 10 years - 6 x 6 feet; fastest growth rate - 1 foot.
The twisted, wavy-edged leaves are luxuriant glossy mid-green.
The flowers are scarlet-red in bud opening to deep pink.
Tolerant of hot humid summers.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
* photo taken by Milan Havlis
* photo taken on Oct 6 2021 in Howard County, MD
'Peppermint'
Dense and rounded in habit, reaching an eventual size of 5 x 5 feet.
Some records include: 10 years - 4 3.5 feet.
The foliage is reddish-bronze at first, turning to glossy mid-green.
The flowers are white with red stripes radiating out from a red center.
The flowers are mid-pink in bud.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
* photos taken on May 14 2012 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on May 14 2012 in Howard Co., MD
'Pink Charm'
A moderate growing, open, rounded shrub, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet or rarely 10 x 10 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 3.5 x 3.5 feet.
The foliage is luxuriant deep green.
The flowers are red in bud, opening to deep pink.
This cultivar blooms at a very young age.
The stems are purplish-red.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
'Pink Frost'
Vigorous, upright and rounded, reaching up to 6 x 5 feet.
Some records include: 10 years - 3.5 x 3.5 feet.
The broad leaves are glossy deep green.
The flowers are pink in bud, opening to bright pink.
They are borne during late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it is resistant to leaf spot.
Cuttings are easy to root.
* photos taken on May 30 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken by Milan Havlis
* photo taken on June 5 2018 in Columbia, MD
'Pristine'
Dense and compact in habit, it reaches up to 6 x 5 feet in 10 years, eventually to 6 x 6 feet. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 1.5 feet.
The leaves are glossy deep green.
The flowers are pure white both in bud and after they open. They can persist for up to a month during late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 5 to 8, originating in South Carolina, it is more heat and humidity tolerant than other varieties however attention is needed regarding moisture as it is less drought tolerant than some other species.
* photo taken on Oct 6 2021 in Howard County, MD
* photo taken on May 26 2022 in Columbia, MD
'Raspberry Glow'
Vigorous, dense, upright and rounded, it reaches up to 6 x 5 feet in 10 years, eventually more.
The attractive, twisted, wavy-edged leaves are luxuriant deep green.
The deep red flowerbuds open to deep reddish-pink flowers.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it is resistant to leaf spot.
* photo taken on Apr 27 2018 in Columbia, MD
'Red Bandit'
Slow growing, dense, compact and upright in habit, it reaches up to 4 x 3 feet in 10 years, and as much as 10 feet in 25 years.
The elliptic leaves, up to 4 x 1.5 inches in size, are glossy deep green.
The showy flowers, up to 0.8 inches across, are deep pink with deep red banding.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
'Sarah'
Vigorous, dense and rounded in habit, it can reach up to 8 x 8 ( rarely over 5 ) feet in 10 years, eventually more.
The broad leaves are luxuriant glossy deep green.
The flowers are red in bud, opening to pinkish-red.
The flowers are borne over a long season.
The stems and leafstalks are purplish-red.
Hardy zones 4 to 8. Heat tolerant but is more prone to over fertilize and salt than many cultivars.
* photo taken on Nov 30 2016 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
'Silver Dollar'
Dense and rounded in habit, reaching up to 3.5 x 3.5 feet in 10 years, eventually as large as 15 x 20 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 inches with great age.
The large, leathery leaves are glossy deep green.
The large white flowers, up to 2 inches across, are pink in bud.
Hardy zones 4 to 8.
* photos taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
'Snowdrift'
Compact and dense in habit, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet in 10 years, eventually to 6 x 5 feet or more.
This cultivar was developed by plant hybridizer Richard Jaynes.
The broad leaves are bright green at first, turning to glossy deep green. The foliage remains a good green color even in winter.
The flowers are pink in bud, opening to pure white during early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8.
* photos taken on May 24 2022 in Columbia, MD
'Starburst'
Spreading and mounding in habit, reaching up to 5 x 5 feet in 10 years, eventually to 5 x 6 feet. It was originally hybridized by Richard Jaynes.
The foliage is glossy deep green.
The abundant flowers are deep red banded. They can persist for up to 1 month during late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
* photo taken on Oct 6 2021 in Howard County, MD
'Tiddlywinks'
A slow growing, compact dwarf, reaching up to 3 x 3 feet in 10 years, eventually slightly more. This cultivar was developed by plant hybridizer Richard Jaynes.
The luxuriant glossy deep green leaves are about half the size of that on regular Kalmia latifolia. The leaves are usually resistant to leaf spot.
The pink flowerbuds open to bright pink flowers.
The flowers are large for such as small plant, they are also so abundant that the plant is barely visible.
The stems are reddish.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it is shade tolerant and easy to grow.
'Tinkerbell'
A vigorous dense, compact dwarf, reaching up to 3 x 3.5 feet in 10 years, eventually more. It is similar to 'Tiddywinks' but faster growing.
The small leaves are deep green.
The rich deep pink flowers persist over a long season.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, resistant to leafspot.
'Willowcrest'
Slow growing and compact, it reaches up to 3 x 3.5 feet in 10 years, eventually more.
The linear, willow-like leaves are mid-green. The leaves persist for 3 years.
The flowers are pink in bud, opening to pale pink.
Hardy zones 4 to 8, it is resistant to leaf spot.
* photos taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
Kalmia microphylla ( Western Bog Laurel )
A small evergreen shrub, reaching up to 2.6 ( rarely over 2 ) feet in height, that is native to western North America ( from far southwest Yukon to southwest Northwest Territories to Fort McMurray, Alberta; south to central California to central Colorado ). It is also native to the Hudson Bay lowlands in northern Manitoba and Ontario. This native of swamps and bogs, is a great plant for the bog or rock garden. It is endangered in Alberta.
The oppositely-arranged, small, lance-shaped to narrow-elliptic leaves are up to 1.5 x 0.6 inches in size. The foliage is glossy deep green above, gray beneath.
The purplish-pink flowers are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 3 to 6 ( likely 2 for Fort McMurray, Alberta seed source ) in full sun to partial shade on humus-rich, moist soil.
Kalmia polifolia ( Swamp Laurel )
A dwarf, evergreen shrub native to open black spruce / larch swamps and bogs in northeast North America ( from Alaska to central Yukon to Northwest Territories to southern Nunavut to far northern Ontario to northern Quebec, Labrador & Newfoundland; south to California to central Alberta to northern Minnesota to central Michigan to Goderich, Ontario to London, Ontario to Niagara Falls to northern New Jersey ). Usually reaching around 2 feet, the largest on record is 3.5 x 3.5 feet.
The oppositely-arranged, thin, leathery leaves are up to 1.8 x 0.6 inches in size. The leathery foliage is glossy, deep green above, silvery beneath.
The abundant, vivid pinkish-purple ( rarely white ) flowers, up to 0.8 inches across, are borne on large terminal clusters over a period lasting up to a month during early to mid spring.
Hardy zones 2 to 7 ( likely 1 for northeast Alberta seed source ) in full sun to partial shade on consistently moist to wet acidic soil.
* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photos taken by Milan Havlis ( havlis.cz )
* historical archive photo
RELATED PLANTS
Leiophyllum buxifolium
Also called Kalmia buxifolium. A small evergreen shrub, reaching up to 2 feet in height, that is native to pine barrens in New Jersey and the Carolinas.
The alternately-arranged, smooth-edged, oblong leaves, up to 0.5 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The white ( pink in bud ) flowers, up to 0.25 inches long, are borne on dense clusters during late spring.
Hardy zones 6 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on moist, acidic, well drained soil.
* historical archive photo
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