One of the most beautiful of all evergreen shrubs but rarely seen in gardens, Kalmia angustifolia 'Rubra' is a unique shrub with unusual and very showy flowers. The deep pink, cup-shaped flowers are intricately detailed with tiny dark spots and last for a long period, opening in May and continuing through early summer. Kalmia angustifolia 'Rubra' has a suckering habit and will gradually spread, forming a low, bushy mound of leathery, deep green, laurel-like foliage that adds year-round interest. Thriving in acid soil, it makes a superb addition to a woodland-type border, partnered with rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas. Alternatively, it can be grown in a container filled with ericaceous compost. This low maintenance evergreen requires only minimal care. RHS Award of Garden Merit. Height 0.5m – 1m (1.6-3.2ft). Spread: 1-1.5m (1.6-4.9ft).
Please note – all parts are toxic if eaten.
Plant height and spread is seasonal therefore we list by pot size rather than a defined plant size. The height and spread of the plant delivered will vary depending on the season, meaning arrival images are an indication only.
Low growing evergreen shrub with showy clusters of deep pink, cup-shaped flowers in early summer.
Grow Kalmia in reliably moist, well drained, acid soil that has been enriched with plenty of well-rotted organic matter. Choose a position in semi-shade or full sun with shelter from cold drying winds. Kalmia will flower best in full sun but the soil must remain moist through the summer. Kalmia will not tolerate alkaline soil, waterlogging or drought.
Where soil conditions are alkaline, Kalmia are best grown in patio containers, using ericaceous compost.
