Kalmia buxifolia 'Maryfield'

RHS Plant Profile
sand myrtle 'Maryfield'
sand myrtle 'Maryfield' RHS 1999

Synonyms

Leiophyllum buxifolium 'Maryfield'

Alpine Rockery Shrubs

A compact evergreen shrub to 15cm tall, with small, oval leaves and dense clusters of white flowers 6mm wide, opening from deep pink buds in late spring and early summer

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Kalmia are evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or corymbs of bowl-shaped flowers in spring or summer
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained, acid soil in partial or deep shade. In frost-prone areas, protect from cold, drying winds. Can spread widely due to suckers

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in spring, sow on surface of compost and place pots outdoors. Propagate by potting up rooted suckers in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility