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 ‘Compacta’ – Andromeda rosmarinifolia ‘Compacta’ – Common bog rosemary – Marsh andromeda – This densely twiggy shrub grows 1′ foot tall and 8″ inches wide in erect or semi prostrate habit.  It produces pointed narrow linear to oblong leathery, grayish green 1” long leaves with paler undersides.  In spring to early summer it bears tiny pink bell like flowers appear in dense sprays. Zones 2-9