Andromeda polifolia 'Blue ice'
Bog rosemary, Marsh andromeda
- Height × spread
- 0.3m × 0.5m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This attractive small plant has fine blue green leaves and makes a mound of foliage. It bears some resemblance to small close clipped lavender bushes, but is far more orderly in its ways. In spring it covers itself in little soft pink bells shaped flowers. The species is a plant that is found growing naturally in sorghum moors across much of northern Europe and likes acidic soil with plenty of moisture available to it. Be careful not to stress it with undue heat and dryness if you want to enjoy it in beauty. This stands around 30cm (12in) in height with a 50cm (20in) spread.
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Foliage colour
- Blue, Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 0.3m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Shady court, Rock garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Apply acidic mulch
Where soil is only just acidic, apply mulch with a high acidic content such as leaf mould, or mulch for ericaceous plants. Alternatively the plant can benefit from a feed of iron supplement (iron chelate) such as sequestrol.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.