shrubN. America Native

Bog laurel

Kalmia polifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Kalmia polifolia, the bog laurel, is a slow-growing, evergreen dwarf shrub native to cold bogs and wet subarctic regions of North America. The low-growing, mat-forming branches carry narrow, dark green leaves with distinctly white, rolled-under margins and characteristic two-angled twigs.

Terminal clusters of rose-purple to pink flowers open from spring to mid-summer, featuring specialized explosive anthers that spring outward when triggered by visiting insects. The entire plant contains grayanotoxins, making all parts highly toxic if ingested.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces terminal clusters of rose-purple flowers against dark green, white-backed evergreen foliage.

Thrives in saturated, highly acidic soils where most other ornamental shrubs fail to survive.

Provides early-season nectar for native bees and serves as a food source for northern wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Mid summer

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with highly acidic soil, ideally with a pH below 6.0.
Incorporate generous amounts of peat moss or organic matter to simulate a natural bog habitat.
Maintain consistent moisture, ensuring the soil never dries out while keeping the root zone aerated.
Avoid applying high-nitrogen or alkaline fertilizers, as these will disrupt the plant's nutrient uptake.

Pro Tip

Establish this species in a dedicated bog profile with high-organic peat and a constant moisture level; standard garden loam or any drying out will quickly kill the root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently wet or moist.
Grow in highly acidic, organic-rich media.
Provide dappled sunlight in hotter climates.

Don't

Do not allow the root zone to dry out.
Never prune hard into old, leafless wood.
Avoid using lime or synthetic fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bog gardensRain gardensWetland restorationAcidic rock gardens

Companion Plants

Vaccinium Rhododendron SarraceniaChamaedaphne

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bog laurel questions

What zones can Bog laurel grow in?

Bog laurel is hardy in USDA Zones 4–6. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bog laurel deer resistant?

Yes — Bog laurel is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bog laurel bloom?

Bog laurel typically blooms in spring through mid summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bog laurel need full sun?

Bog laurel does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.