This genus of 7 species of shrub in the Ericaceae family, named after Dr. Pehr Calm, a botanist and explorer of the east coast of North America in 1770. Most types of native green and northeastern United States, with a few species in Cuba. They are grown for the leaves and flowers that attract them to show off, ranging in color from light pink dark red. The leaves are smooth, opposite or alternate, dark green on the upper surface, but appeared at the bottom, and sometimes stalkless. Attention-seeking flower bowl or plate-shaped and usually borne in dense clusters, kept away from the foliage. All are ideal border plants.

CULTIVATION: Kalmia species at home in the slightly acidic peat soil. Dappled shade under deciduous trees high on a cold, damp climate is ideal. Little pruning is required apart from the removal of spent flower clusters. Propagate from seed, as soon as ripe and sown the following spring collection.