Kalmia buxifolia (Sand Myrtle)
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, they 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.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 6-36 in. tall (15-90 cm) and 18-60 in. wide (45-150 cm). Can spread widely due to suckers.
- Performs best in part shade or deep shade in moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Does not tolerate drought. Protect from cold, drying winds in frost-prone areas. Mulch in spring with pine needles or leaf mould to retain moisture.
- Perfect for beds and borders, underplanting shrubs and roses, city gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland gardens or native plants gardens.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Prune immediately after flowering.
- Propagate by seed, root cuttings, layering, or stem cuttings.
- Native to the southeastern United States.
Buy Kalmia buxifolia (Sand Myrtle)
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 6" – 3' (15cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 5' (30cm – 150cm) |
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, Northeast, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee |
Attracts | 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 |
Jason Hollinger, Flickr, David Carillet, 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 | 6
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 6" – 3' (15cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 5' (30cm – 150cm) |
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, Northeast, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee |
Attracts | 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 |