Sand Myrtle Kalmia buxifolia 'Maryfield'

Water

The Sandmyrtle should be watered regularly to maintain moist but well-drained soil conditions, especially during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. Typically, giving the plant about 1 inch of water per week is sufficient, but this may need to be adjusted based on rainfall and temperature. If you're using a watering can or hose, aim to provide this amount in weekly increments, ensuring the soil has time to dry out slightly between waterings. Overhead watering is not recommended, as the leaves and flowers should be kept dry to prevent fungal diseases, so water at the base of the plant. A good method is to measure the amount of water by using a can or container that helps you track how many gallons you're applying, ensuring the soil is evenly saturated but not waterlogged.

Light

Sandmyrtle thrives in conditions of partial shade to full sun. To provide optimal growth conditions, plant Sandmyrtle in a location where it will receive dappled sunlight throughout the day or direct morning sunlight followed by afternoon shade. Avoiding intense, direct afternoon sun can help protect the plant from potential scorching.

Temperature

The Sandmyrtle prefers a temperate climate and is quite cold-hardy. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about -10°F but it thrives in areas where the temperature ranges between 60°F and 80°F. The ideal temperature conditions are consistent cooler temperatures rather than extreme heat, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.

Pruning

Sandmyrtle benefits from pruning to shape the plant, remove spent flowers, and encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is immediately after the flowering season, as the plant blooms on old wood. Lightly pruning to shape the plant and cut out any dead or damaged wood can be done yearly. Avoid heavy pruning as this can harm the plant's natural shape and future blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Sand Mountain Laurel requires well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. A mixture of peat moss, pine bark, and sand or perlite in equal parts makes an ideal soil mix for this plant, providing good aeration and moisture retention.

Repotting

Sand Mountain Laurel should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Springtime, just before the growing season begins, is the best time for repotting this plant.

Humidity & Misting

Sand Mountain Laurel thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, typically preferring a range of 50-75%. Consistently high humidity mimics its natural growing conditions and supports its health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures for indoor growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade with moist, acidic soil outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Kalmia buxifolia 'Maryfield', also known as Sand-myrtle, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in well-draining, acidic soil, typically in the shade of larger trees. After germination, the seedling grows slowly, developing a woody stem and evergreen leaves, reaching a mature shrubby form. This dwarf evergreen shrub will flower typically in spring, presenting clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into dry capsule-like fruits that release seeds when mature, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, Sand-myrtle experiences seasonal changes with growth spurts in the spring and summer and periods of dormancy during the cold winter months. This plant can live many years, with a slow growth rate contributing to its longevity.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Kalmia buxifolia 'Maryfield', commonly known as the Maryfield mountain laurel, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method shares the advantage of producing plants genetically identical to the parent and allows for the replication of the 'Maryfield' cultivar's specific characteristics. The best time for taking cuttings is in the late summer to early fall when new growth has begun to mature but hasn't fully hardened. Cuttings about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long are taken from healthy, disease-free plants, ideally with several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a well-draining rooting medium such as a mix of peat and perlite. The environment must maintain high humidity, often achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse, and kept out of direct sunlight. Roots typically establish within a few weeks to a couple of months, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.