Lambkill
Kalmia angustifolia · Ericaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around lambkill and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Sheep Laurel
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Type
- Evergreen shrub
- Adult size
- 0.6 to 1.2 m in height
- Flowering
- May to July, pink to bright red flowers
- Hardiness
- Very hardy down to -20°C
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
Care
Light exposure
Place sheep laurel in full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering. A sunny location promotes better flower development, while light shade suits very hot regions. Avoid overly windy exposures that can dry out the foliage.
Soil and drainage
This plant requires acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A pH between 4.5 and 6 is ideal. Improve your soil with peat or leaf mold if needed. Alkaline soil will promote iron deficiency: absolutely avoid it.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during growth and flowering. In summer, increase frequency if rainfall is sparse. In winter, reduce watering without letting the substrate dry out completely.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and remove spent flowers. Avoid heavy pruning, which weakens the shrub. Cleaning out dead wood in late winter is usually sufficient.
Fertilizer
Apply a fertilizer for acid-loving plants in spring and early summer. Choose a balanced or potassium-rich formula. Avoid excess, which could burn the fine, delicate roots.
Pests and diseases
Sheep laurel is generally robust. Watch for spider mites in dry conditions and powdery mildew in excessive humidity. Good drainage and regular air circulation prevent most problems. If infestation occurs, isolate the plant and intervene early.
Did you know?
Sheep laurel gets its common name from the fact that sheep once grazed on its leaves without apparent harm, although they contain potentially toxic compounds. This ornamental plant is also called 'calico bush' in English for its delicate pale pink to bright red flowers, remarkably geometric in form, that bloom in spectacular clusters in spring.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CowberryVaccinium vitis-idaea
- Cross-leaved heathErica tetralix
- Bog rosemaryAndromeda polifolia
- BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.