Bog Rosemary Care Tips: How to Grow Bog Rosemary

Bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) is an evergreen shrub that grows in bogs and wetlands in the northern part of the northern hemisphere. Andromeda polifolia is a member of the heath family Ericaceae. The bog rosemary plant features blue-green foliage that sometimes has a tint of gray. Its flowers are pink and white. It is occasionally confused for similar species like Labrador tea, bog laurel, sheep laurel, and leatherleaf. However, you can clearly identify bog rosemary by its alternate leaf arrangement and leaf margins that roll inward.

Bog rosemary is the only member of the genus Andromeda, which the Swedish taxonomist and botanist Carl Linnaeus named in 1732. He observed the plant in the Lapland region of northern Sweden and thought of the Andromeda of ancient Greek mythology, who was said to be chained to a rock in the ocean. The plant is sometimes called marsh Andromeda as a result.

There are two varieties of bog rosemary, which some botanists consider to be different species.

• Andromeda polifolia var. polifolia: This bog rosemary variety is most commonly found in Northern Europe, Asia, and the northwestern parts of North America.
• Andromeda polifolia var. latifolia: Also known among botanists as A. polifolia var. glaucophylla, this variety of bog rosemary primarily grows in the northeastern parts of North America.

Bog rosemary can be an attractive groundcover, so long as you grow the plants in wet, acid soil and cold temperatures.

1. 1. Grow bog rosemary in cool climates. Bog rosemary thrives in USDA hardiness zones three through five. With proper care, bog rosemary can tolerate the climate in zone six as well.
2. 2. Maintain an acidic soil pH. The species does best in dense, acidic soil. Aim to mimic its natural habitat of boreal and polar sphagnum, peatlands, swamps, fens, bogs, and other wetlands.
3. 3. Water bog rosemary plants consistently. Bog rosemary requires consistently wet soil. Bog rosemary can tolerate some standing water, but it primarily needs dense, wet soil to establish roots.
4. 4. Plant bog rosemary in full sun. Bog rosemary does best in full sun, but it can also endure partial shade. Plants exposed to full sun may begin blooming in early summer, while shaded plants may not flower until later in the season.

Bog rosemary is toxic. It contains andromedotoxin, which can lead to progressive paralysis if consumed. While it is safe to handle this plant in the garden, wash your hands after doing so. Never eat bog rosemary and keep it away from pets and children.

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