Sandmyrtle, Sand Myrtle, Mountain Myrtle, Dendrium buxifolium, Leiophyllum buxifolium, Leiophyllum buxifolium var. hugeri, Leiophyllum buxifolium var. prostratum, Leiophyllum hugeri, Leiophyllum lyonii
Kalmia buxifolia (Sand Myrtle) is a low-growing, widely branched evergreen shrub forming a compact, rounded mound of tiny, glossy ovate leaves. In late spring to early summer, it boasts a profusion of small white flowers opening from pink buds. Borne in dense terminal clusters, the blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The leathery foliage turns bronze in cold weather, giving the shrub year-round interest. Native to the southeastern United States, Sand Myrtle is a slow grower that can be used in rock gardens or to create charming, low, evergreen hedges.
A close relative of rhododendrons and azaleas, blueberries and cranberries, pieris, and heath and heather, Sand Myrtle belongs to the heath family (Ericaceae). The Kalmia genus consists of 10 species of evergreen shrubs, including the renowned Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). Other notable species include Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia), Sand Myrtle (Kalmia buxifolia), and Alpine Laurel (Kalmia microphylla), all admired for their striking flowers and adaptability to acidic soils.
| Hardiness |
6 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Ericaceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early) |
| Height | 6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 5' (30cm - 150cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| 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, Northeast, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Southeast, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
| Hardiness |
6 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Ericaceae |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early) |
| Height | 6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 5' (30cm - 150cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| 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, Northeast, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Southeast, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
How many Kalmia buxifolia (Sand Myrtle) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Kalmia buxifolia (Sand Myrtle) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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