sheep laurel
Kalmia angustifolia
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall4 to 6 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Red , purple
- Foliage color
- Green above, pale green below
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) is an evergreen shrub for borders, pollinator gardens, and low maintenance planting. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Small pink to red flowers appear in dense clusters, and bees and butterflies visit them. It spreads into sizable stands, so give it room. Deadheading helps it bloom better in later years.
Pairs well with American holly, Big bluestem, and Blue mistflower.
Native range
North America, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Prince Edward I., and 2 more places. See all 6
North America, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Prince Edward I., Québec, and Rhode I..