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Woody > Andromeda > Andromeda polifolia > Andromeda polifolia

Andromeda polifolia


Bog Rosemary




            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

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Andromeda polifolia makes a wonderful groundcover, especially for rock gardens or even in pondless waterfall designs. The light pink flowers give a delicate ambiance to this small shrub with the berries also quite similar in colour.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

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Family
Ericaceae
Genus
Andromeda
Species
polifolia
Category
Woody
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
2-9
Canadian Hardiness Zone
2-5a
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-46
Temperature (°F)
-50
Height
65 cm
Spread
95 cm
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
May
General Description
Low, creeping evergreen with blue-grey coloured leaves and pink urn-shaped flowers. Creeping root stocks and vertically arching, thinly branched stems, becoming more open and flat with age.
Cultivation
They are best planted in a shaded rockery, favouring a moist, well-drained, acidic environment. Will withstand any frosts and prefers a cold climate. Prefers very light shade but tolerates full sun if moisture is sufficient.
Shape
Low growing neatly rounded groundcover. Spreads by creeping rhizomes.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
Narrowly lanceolate leaves with distinctly rolled edges; 2.5-5 cm long. Foliage is a blue-green colour above, and nearly white below. The sharp tips on its leaves that point upwards are a distinguishing feature.
Pests
Pests do not often occur with the Bog Rosemary. Powdery mildew can develop and will appear as white spots on the upper surface of the leaves. Leaf spot and rust may also be a problem.
Habitat
Frequently found in sphagnum bogs in the cooler environment of the Northern Hemisphere.
Bark/Stem Description
Red/brown in colour; may become finely shredded over time. Twigs are slender, pale green in youth turning brown as it ages.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Small, ovate, nearly white colour, about 4 mm in size.
Leaf Description
Simple, alternate, evergreen, linear-oblong shaped leaves. Glaucous; blue-green to dark green colour. Undersides of leaves are tomentose and almost white. Leaves are 3-4 cm long. Leaves seem narrow due to their slightly re-curved entire margins.
Flower Description
Clumps of soft pink to purple-pink hanging bell-shaped flowers that are 0.5cm long. Flowers are produced at the tips of the shoots in 2 to 8 flowered umbels.
Fruit Description
Dry dehiscent fruit produced from a compound pistil. Has a diameter of 0.5cm. Initially a pale green/blue colour, changing to a brown colour as it dries out.
Colour Description
Retains its blue-green colour throughout the seasons. Younger stems have brown bark turning a grey brown colour with age.
Texture Description
Foliage can have a leather-like texture to it, although the overall effect of the plant is fine textured.
Notable Specimens
Sifton Bog, London, Ontario.
Propagation
Semi-ripe cuttings 5-7 cm long with a heel should be taken in July/August. IBA talc or solution at 8000 ppm in a poly-tent. With a growth temperature of 21-24C is ideal.
References
Canadale Nurseries, St. Thomas, Ontario.
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