shrub

Alba Bog Rosemary

Andromeda polifolia 'Alba'

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Alba Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia 'Alba') at Lurvey Garden Center

Alba Bog Rosemary flowers

Alba Bog Rosemary flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  6 inches

Spread:  8 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  2

Other Names:  Marsh Andromeda

Description:

A very small shrub for detail use in garden; gray-green needle-like foliage and white urn-shaped flowers in spring; very fastidious as to growing conditions, needs ample consistent moisture and highly organic soils, will not tolerate alkaline soil

Ornamental Features

Alba Bog Rosemary features dainty nodding white bell-shaped flowers at the ends of the branches from mid to late spring. It has grayish green evergreen foliage. The needles remain grayish green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Alba Bog Rosemary is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Alba Bog Rosemary is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Bog Gardens

Planting & Growing

Alba Bog Rosemary will grow to be only 6 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 inches. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Garden  Groundcover  Bog 
Applications
Flowers  Texture  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features