Bog Rosemary

Growing and Caring for Plants

Andromeda polifolia, Bog, Grayanotoxin, Kalmia, Rose, Shrubs

Photo:

Qwert1234, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bog rosemary is an arctic-tough, garden-pretty, small evergreen shrub. The leaves are narrow with white hairy undersides. A sharp tip on the leaves distinguishes this species from Kalmia polyfolia (bog sheep laurel), another small ericaceous shrub which can occur in the same habitat. Bog rosemary has pink, bell-shaped flowers.

It can be found in acidic bogs and wetlands in nature.

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Andromeda glaucophylla

En français: Andromède glauque

See More Plants in this Botanical Family:

Ericaceae

Colour:

Blooms:

Sun / Shade:

Water: Need constant moisture

Soil:

Height:

Up to 1.5 feet (50 cms)

Hardiness Zones:

Caring for Andromeda glaucophylla

Plant in a moist, well-drained, lime-free, humus-rich soil in a shady location. The plant is free of disease and insects. It does not require fertilisation or pruning. When grown in an appropriate location, plants spread slowly via suckers. This plant is a subspecies of A. polifolia, but it grows further south.

Toxicity

Andromeda glaucophylla contains grayanotoxin (or andromedotoxin), which is toxic to animals, so you’re not likely to see animals feeding on them! When ingested by humans, it can cause respiratory problems, dizziness, vomiting, or diarrhoea.