How much sun does Creeping Azalea need?

Creeping Azalea grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Creeping Azalea bloom?

Creeping Azalea blooms in June and July.

Where is Creeping Azalea native?

Creeping Azalea (Kalmia procumbens) is native to ME, NH, NY, WA and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Creeping Azalea attract?

Creeping Azalea draws bees and butterflies.

Is Creeping Azalea HOA-friendly?

Creeping Azalea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Creeping Azalea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Kalmia procumbens

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Creeping Azalea (Kalmia procumbens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

3"–12" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Native to

ME, NH, NY, WA and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Creeping Azalea.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Highlands

Creeping azalea is a low-growing evergreen shrub that forms dense mats of small, leathery leaves. It produces clusters of pink or white flowers in early summer and thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil. This hardy groundcover works well for rock gardens, slopes, and areas where you need year-round green coverage.

In an HOA neighborhood

Creeping Azalea is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and butterflies during the flowering period. As an evergreen groundcover, it provides some winter shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Creeping Azalea need?: Creeping Azalea grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Creeping Azalea bloom?: Creeping Azalea blooms in June and July.
Where is Creeping Azalea native?: Creeping Azalea (Kalmia procumbens) is native to ME, NH, NY, WA and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Creeping Azalea attract?: Creeping Azalea draws bees and butterflies.
Is Creeping Azalea HOA-friendly?: Creeping Azalea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Creeping Azalea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app