Photo of Kalmia buxifolia flower by Jason Hollinger

Photo by Jason Hollinger

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Kalmia buxifolia

Also Known As

  • Leiophyllum buxifolium
  • Sand Myrtle

Plant type

shrub, groundcover

size

  • H: 6"-12"
  • W: 18"-24"

planting zones

  • 6a-8b

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Kalmia buxifolia plant details

Kalmia buxifolia is a broadleaf evergreen groundcover shrub with green foliage. In spring and summer cream and pink flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Does well in acidic and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Kalmia buxifolia

Plant type: groundcover shrub
Plant family: ericaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: cream and pink blooms in spring and summer
Uses: woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Kalmia buxifolia

USDA Zones: 6a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: acidic and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Sand myrtle is from The Pine Barons of New Jersey. this sub shrub will get 18”x18”. The tiny leaves are dark green most of the year. The new growth has a rusty burgundy color. The white flowers are born in tight clusters.
Slow growing evergreen mound with lustrous, dark green leaves reaching one-half inch. In summer, tiny rose colored buds open white tipped with pink. In its native habitat may assume several different forms from upright to compact to prostrate. In our garden grows more as a low symmetrical mound. Also known as Mountain myrtle or Sand myrtle. Grow in filtered to full sun in evenly moist, well drained acidic soils
An attractive dwarf shrub of neat compact rounded habit to 2'. Native from New Jersey Pine Barrens to Florida. Small glossy foliage and star-shaped white flowers in terminal clusters. Prefers moist humus-rich acidic soil, part or deep shade.

By: The Bovees Nursery

Gardening facts about Kalmia buxifolia plant

How to Grow Kalmia buxifolia

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Kalmia for your garden

aka Minuet Mountain Laurel

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Kalmia latifolia 'Minuet' flower by Briggs Plant Propagators
View Plant

aka Sheep Laurel

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 5'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Kalmia angustifolia by plant lust
View Plant

aka Mountain Laurel

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 3'-4'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Kalmia latifolia 'Galaxy' foliage by plant lust
View Plant

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aka Madeline Mountain Laurel

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 4'-6'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Kalmia latifolia 'Madeline' flower by Briggs Plant Propagators
View Plant

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aka Sarah Mountain Laurel

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • mostly sun - shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Kalmia latifolia 'Sarah' flower by Briggs Plant Propagators
View Plant

More Options

+39 more Kalmia
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