Creeping Azalea
Kalmia procumbens
Last reviewed: August 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Ready to grow Creeping Azalea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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