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Blue Ice Bog Andromeda (Andromeda polifolia ‘Blue Ice’) is a highly ornamental, multi-stemmed, smaller evergreen shrub growing up to 2 ft high with a wider spread of 3 ft. It’s hardy in zones 4-8. Powder-blue, needle-like foliage offers unique color and texture in the garden, with dainty, nodding, white, bell-shaped flowers with a pink blush appearing on the end of branches in late spring.
This low-maintenance shrub holds onto its icy-blue color foliage throughout winter. Its fantastic used in rock gardens or informal cottage-style gardens.
Hey garden lovers! I’ve been growing Blue Ice Bog Rosemary for several years now and I gotta tell ya – this stunning evergreen shrub is a real winter warrior! Today I’m gonna share everything you need to know about keeping your Blue Ice Bog Rosemary happy and healthy during the cold months.
What Makes Blue Ice Bog Rosemary Special?
Blue Ice Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia ‘Blue Ice’) is this amazing compact shrub that
- Grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads about 1-3 feet wide
- Has gorgeous silvery-blue foliage year-round
- Produces cute pink to white flowers in spring
- Thrives in wet, boggy areas
- Handles super cold temps like a champ (hardy to zone 2!)
Winter Color Changes
One thing that surprised me when I first grew this plant was how the foliage changes color in winter
- The usual blue-green summer leaves turn this really pretty bronzy-purple shade
- Some leaves might look a bit shriveled (totally normal!)
- The red stems become more visible, adding nice winter interest
- Flower buds form in fall and stick around all winter
- Snow coverage actually helps protect the plant
Essential Winter Care Tips
1. Moisture Management
Ya can’t forget about watering just cause it’s cold! These plants need:
- Consistently moist soil even in winter
- Regular moisture checks (stick your finger in the soil!)
- Extra watering before ground freezes
- Good drainage to prevent waterlogging
2. Protection Strategies
I’ve learned these tricks really help:
- Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the base
- Use shredded bark or evergreen boughs
- Place in sheltered spots away from harsh winds
- Consider using fabric covers during extreme cold snaps
3. Location Matters
For best winter survival, plant your Blue Ice Bog Rosemary:
- Near house foundations
- Behind evergreen shrubs
- In areas that collect snow (natural insulation!)
- Away from winter wind tunnels
Spring Recovery Tips
When winter’s finally over:
- Hold off on pruning dead stems until spring growth starts
- Apply acidic fertilizer (I love using Holly-Tone)
- Remove any winter protection gradually
- Check soil pH (should be between 4.0-6.5)
- Add fresh peat moss if needed
Common Winter Issues & Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dried out foliage | Increase winter watering, add wind protection |
| Dead branches | Wait till spring to prune, check drainage |
| Frost damage | Plant in more sheltered location next season |
| Yellow leaves | Check soil acidity, adjust with amendments |
| Root rot | Improve drainage, reduce winter watering |
Pro Tips from My Experience
After working with these plants for years, here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Don’t panic about color changes – The bronzy-purple winter color is natural and will return to blue-green in spring.
-
Think ahead – Prep for winter by:
- Gradually reducing fertilizer in late summer
- Adding extra mulch in fall
- Checking drainage before first freeze
-
Location is everything – I’ve had best success with:
- Morning sun/afternoon shade spots
- Areas that stay naturally moist
- Protected locations
-
Container growing – If you’re growing in pots:
- Use premium potting mix
- Keep pots in sheltered areas
- Consider moving to protected spot for winter
- Insulate container sides
Final Thoughts
Blue Ice Bog Rosemary is one tough cookie in winter, but it does need some TLC to look its best. With proper care, this beautiful shrub will reward you with stunning foliage and flowers year after year. I just love how mine look covered in snow – like little blue-silver gems in the winter landscape!
Remember, every garden’s different, so don’t be afraid to adjust these tips based on your specific conditions. And hey, if you’ve got any questions or wanna share your own Blue Ice Bog Rosemary winter experiences, drop a comment below!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this guide in more detail?
Blue Ice Bog Andromeda Care
Blue Ice Bog Andromeda appreciates being planted in a rich, well-draining soil amended with compost or organic matter to increase moisture retention. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the root zone before winter to protect Blue Ice in exposed, harsh locations. This shrub may be susceptible to root rot if the crown is planted too low or in water-logged soil.
Blue Ice Bog Andromeda prefers to be planted in slightly acidic soils, so if you notice chlorosis or yellowing of the foliage, amend the soil with sphagnum peat moss or plenty of decomposed compost rich in organic matter. You can also add mulched leaves or pine needles, which will gradually change the soil pH over time. Mulching also helps with erosion, moisture retention, and releasing beneficial nutrients into the soil. Prune to shape after the plant blooms and before the bud is set for the next season.
Blue Ice Bog Andromeda Spacing
Blue Ice Bog Andromeda grows at a slower rate so it may take a couple of seasons until it reaches 3 ft in width. Suggested garden types for this low-maintenance beauty include cottage and informal gardens, container gardens, flower borders, and rock gardens.
Best Shrubs – Andromeda Blue Ice (Bog Rosemary)
FAQ
Does bog rosemary come back every year?
Virtues: Bog rosemary is a low evergreen shrub that can serve as a year-round foliage ground cover in cool climates and sites with poor drainage. Its pale pink spring flowers are a bonus. Flowers: Bell-like pinkish-white flowers appear along the stems in mid-spring.
What to do with rosemary in winter?
If your rosemary was planted in the garden, pot it up with fresh potting soil and place it in either location. If the garage temperature remains above freezing, your rosemary can stay there for several months. If you don’t have a garage, choose your coolest, shadiest room for this transition.
Is bog rosemary blue ice evergreen?
Blue Ice Bog Rosemary is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.
Which rosemary is winter hardy?
Alcalde Cold Hardy is very cold hardy, upright growing Rosemary found growing in a northern NM garden where it has withstood years of sub-zero winters and intense, high elevation summer sun. With its pale blue flowers and thick, olive- green leaves, this is a beautiful xeric landscape plant.