Andromeda - Bog Rosemary

Andromeda polifolia
A variable shrub native to peat bogs of northern North America ( from far northwest Alaska to northwest Northwest Territories to central Nunavut to far northern Ontario to northern Quebec to Labrador, Newfoundland and Greenland; south to British Columbia to northern Idaho to Indiana to West Virginia to New Jersey. It is also native to northern Europe. Typically around 1 x 3 feet, it can reach a maximum size 3 x 3 feet in 10 years and the largest on record is 4 x 6 feet. It is endangered in ID & WV. Threatened in Que, PA & CT.
The pointed, oblong leaves are up to 2 x 0.2 inches in size.
The pink bell-shaped flowers up to 0.3 inches are borne in compact clusters in late spring.
Hardy zones 1 to 6 in sun to partial shade on moist acid peaty soil. They prefer cool climates and can easily be killed by root diseases in hot climates.
Bog Rosemary is easily propagated from softwood cuttings, layering and suckers.

* photo taken on May 14 2010 in Columbia, MD


'Alba'
low growing spreading shrub with pure white flowers.

'Blue Ice'
Reaching a maximum size of 3 x 3 feet with light blue foliage.

* photo taken on April 10 2012 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Apr 20 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Apr 11 2015 in Elkridge, MD

'Macrophylla'
Larger foliage and pink flowers.

'Red Winter'
Foliage turns red in winter.