Although they are described as being similar in shape to an azalea flower, they look more like a partially opened carnation.
Groups of the bolder kinds associated with Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora, Lilium Henryi, and Azalea mollis are effective for months on end, and all revel in deep rich loam, old manure, and leaf-mould.
Like the Rhododendron and Azalea, Kalmias must be grown in a moist, peaty soil, or one light or sandy.
Their lovely clusters of pink wax-like flowers open about the end of June, when the bloom of the Rhododendron and Azalea is on the wane, and last for a fortnight or longer.
The Chinese A. indica, the ordinary Azalea of greenhouses, is hardy in many places, especially the white variety, which, even in mid-Sussex, thrives in the open air.