Kalmia angustifolia 'Rubra'Calico bush, Lamb kill, Sheep laurel

Grow Kalmia in reliably moist, well drained, acid soil that has been enriched with plenty of well-rotted organic matter. Choose a position in semi-shade or full sun with shelter from cold drying winds. Kalmia will flower best in full sun but the soil must remain moist through the summer. Kalmia will not tolerate alkaline soil, waterlogging or drought.

Where soil conditions are alkaline, Kalmia are best grown in patio containers, using ericaceous compost.

For more information and guidance check out our Gardening Guides.

Kalmia polifolia is a dwarf, evergreen shrub with a low, spreading habit that is perfect for the front of acid borders or path edges, pairing beautifully with rhododendrons and azaleas. Its slender, glossy, deep green leaves provide year-round interest, while mid-to-late spring brings a dazzling display of purple-pink, saucer-shaped blooms in eye-catching terminal clusters. This low-growing beauty adds vibrant colour, texture and all-year-round foliage to any garden with minimal upkeep. In gardens with alkaline soil it makes a charming specimen for a container filled with ericaceous compost, bringing strong spring impact with its dense blanket of dainty flowers that smother the foliage. Height: 30-60cm (12-24in). Spread: 90cm (35in).

Please note – all parts are toxic if eaten.

Plant height and spread is seasonal therefore we list by pot size rather than a defined plant size. The height and spread of the plant delivered will vary depending on the season, meaning arrival images are an indication only.

Caution: toxic if eaten

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large Non-standard items may incur a higher, lorry delivery charge. Charges will be calculated at checkout, but an example of the lorry charges are listed below.

• Red - £9.99.
• Purple - £2.99.

For more information please visit our delivery charges information page by clicking here.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.