No kalmia likes it dry, they are all shrubs for moist conditions. Maybe you can get them to take that spot in the eastern climate, but it is unlikely to be one they will thrive in.

i dont grow them.. but how will they do in OHIO clay ...

things that like dry .. usually like high drainage ... and usually clay is not high drainage.. its too wet in spring.. and too dry in summer ...

now.. what is 'rain shade' .... never heard that term before ...

ken

ken, the spot I was thinking of is in a raised (behind a short wall) bed heavily amended with leaf mold, compost, sand and manure, so the drainage is very good there. Definitely better than the rest of the yard!

Although it is on the south-facing side of the house, there is a slight overhang; and there is a tree just to the southwest that overhangs the area too, so it is not only shaded from sun but also gets less moisture from rain there. Most of our rainy weather blows in from the west/northwest.

Thanks Bboy, Sounds like this is not a good spot for these shrubs.

I'll have to think of somewhere else for the kalmia, and something else for this open spot. I want to put in something to add a different texture from the boxwood that are already part of the planting.

If you handle a very slow growing shrub that will eventually get quite large, take a look at Eleutherococcus sieboldianus variegatus. A very handsome shrub for dry shade.

Kalmia are woodland plants, related to Rhododendrons that unlike Rhodies, bloom best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. Like Rhodies, they need regular water and well-drained, acidic soil.