Bog Rosemary
Andromeda glaucophylla

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

Andromeda glaucophylla is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Bogs, peats, margins of pools etc.

North-eastern N. America - New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan and British Columbia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The tender leaves and shoot-tips are boiled as an aromatic tea. A delicious drink. Some caution is advised since boiling the plant or infusing it in hot water is said to release a toxic chemical. It is safer to soak the leaves in a jar of water in direct sunlight to make 'sun tea'.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained, moisture-retentive, lime-free, humus- rich soil and a shady position. Plants spread slowly by means of suckers when they are grown in a suitable position. This plant is considered to be no more than a sub-species of A. polifolia, but with a more southerly range, by some botanists.

Propagating it: Seed - sow February/March in an acid compost in the greenhouse. Surface sow or only just cover the seed and place in a lightly shaded position. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 12°c. Prick out the young seedlings into individual pots as soon as possible, they are prone to damp-off and so should be kept well ventilated. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out in early summer once they are 15cm or more tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 7cm with a heel, July/August in a frame in a shady position. Takes 15 months. Layering in August in a semi-shady position. Takes 18 months. Division in early spring. The plants should be 'dropped' beforehand. This entails digging up the plant 6 to 12 months earlier and replanting it somewhat more deeply. The buried branches will then root and form new plants when divided.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Bog Garden;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

A toxin, called 'andromedotoxin' can be released from the plant if it is infused in boiling water. See notes below regarding use of the plant for tea.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. polifolia glaucophylla.