Bog Laurel

Kalmia polifolia

Ericaceae · broadleaf evergreen shrub · native

Last updated April 25, 2026

Plant Profile

Height

2–3 ft

Spread

1-3 ft

Growth Rate

Slow

Size at 20 yr

1 ft

Lifespan

Long-lived

Light

Part Shade

Soil Drainage

Wet Tolerant

Soil pH

6.0-7.3

Water

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

Low

Hardiness

Zones 4a–8b

Bloom Time

late spring

Origin

open bogs, swamps

Carnation tortrixModerate

First Generation Pupation

View full calendar (4 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
New growth flush BBCH 11	Feb 15-Mar 15	Lighter-colored new growth visible at branch tips
Bloom start BBCH 61	May 1-May 31	First open flowers visible; flowers purple
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	May 15-Jun 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: brown

Data Maturity

Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.