Kalmia angustifolia f. rubra (Red Sheep Laurel)
Red Sheep Laurel
Kalmia angustifolia f. rubra (Red Sheep Laurel) is a suckering evergreen shrub boasting a profusion of small, deep red bowl-shaped flowers in early to mid summer. Borne in dense terminal clusters, they contrast nicely against the foliage of oblong to elliptic, dark green leaves. Red Sheep Laurel forms a well-developed and closely interlacing network of rhizomes, creating small thickets over time. Native to northeastern North America, Red Sheep Laurel can be used in naturalized areas, foundation plantings or woodland gardens.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
- Performs best in part shade in moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Avoid planting in windy sites.
- Perfect for cottage gardens, woodlands or naturalized areas.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for mealybugs and vine weevil.
- Prune immediately after flowering.
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
- All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to northeastern North America.
Buy Kalmia angustifolia f. rubra (Red Sheep Laurel)
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 8 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 48" – 72" (120cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Michigan, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Virginia, West Virginia |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Iva Vagnerova, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 8 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 48" – 72" (120cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Michigan, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Virginia, West Virginia |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |