Mountain Myrtle Kalmia buxifolia

Sand myrtle is a woody low growing evergreen shrub or groundcover in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family native to portions of southeastern US. This slower grower has dense foliage and variable form in wild reaching a heigh of 18 inches to 3 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide.

Plant in partial shade in moist well drained acidic soil enriched with organic matter.  Apply a layer of acidic mulch like pine needles in the spring to retain soil moisture.  Prune only after flowering to remove spent blooms and keep in mind that next year's blossoms and fruit will appear on old growth.  This plant can be propagated through seed, stem or root cutting.

The leaves are thick and glossy and provide a beautiful green background for the rosy pink buds that erupt in a profusion of white flowers from early spring to early summer.  Nectar from the flowers attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.  The evergreen leaves turn a attracive bronze tone in the winter which helps provide year-round interest for this plant.  Sand myrtle does not tolerate drought or overly wet soils.

Use this low maintenance plant in the front of borders, alongside patios, or as an understory planting along with some larger shrubs.    Mass plant it as welcome addition to a native or pollinator garden and does well in containers.  Its slow growth rate makes it ideal as a low growing hedge in a cottage garen and its small size makes it a natural choice for courtyard, or rock gardens.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.