Description

Andromeda – Bog rosemary

There are only 2, fully cold hardy species of low growing wiry stemmed evergreen shrubs, in this genus.  Found in acidic peat bogs in arctic and cool temperate regions of Northern Hemisphere.  The tough short branches that root along the ground.  It produces deep green alternate simple leaves that are leathery linear to lance shaped.   From spring to early summer small bell or urn shaped flowers are borne in terminal umbels of white or pink.

Great for a shady rock garden or peat bogs or in a damp border in humus rich acidic soil, in partial shade or full sun.

Prone to Exobasidium galls.

Andromeda polifolia ‘Alba’ – Andromeda polifolia compacta ‘Alba’  – Andromeda rosmarinifolia ‘Alba’ – Andromeda rosmarinifolia compacta ‘Alba’ – Common bog rosemary – Marsh andromeda –  This semi prostrate plant grows 6″ inches tall and in breadth.  It produces pointed narrow linear to oblong leathery deep green 1” long leaves with paler undersides.  In spring to early summer it bears tiny white bell like flowers appear in sprays.

Zones 2-9