Andromeda polifolia Blue Lagoon

Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Lagoon' is a variety of bog rosemary cultivated for its foliage, which has an even more intense blue than that of 'Blue Ice'. This small suckering shrub has a rounded habit, forming a small cushion with fine and sparse branches, covered with a mass of small linear leaves resembling those of rosemary, initially silver-blue then greenish-blue. From April to June it bears numerous clusters of small milky pink bells delicately suspended at the end of their long arched pedicels, intensifying by contrast the blue hues of its dense tuft. It is a very hardy and floriferous variety, perfect as ground cover or for borders in gardens with acidic, moist to wet soils and partial shade. Its small size and slow growth make it suitable for container cultivation in more challenging areas.

Common in the bogs of mid-range mountains, Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Lagoon', also known as bog rosemary, belongs to the same family as heathers, the Ericaceae. It forms a spreading, round cushion that develops slender, upright branches with persistent, tough, pointed, linear foliage, 1 to 3 cm (0.4 - 1.2 in) long, similar to that of rosemary but glaucous in tone. It is a perfectly hardy undershrub down to -20°C that thrives at high altitudes and in acidic and moist soils, only fearing excessive heat and drought which results in leaf loss.

Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Lagoon' is a small-sized, low-growing bog rosemary. Its flowering is very decorative and abundant, with 1 cm (0.4 in) long pale pink bell-shaped flowers arranged in arched clusters, elevated above its cushion of fine foliage. 'Blue Lagoon' Andromeda grows in well-drained, light, moist to wet soil, preferably acidic, and in full sun without scorching heat or in partial shade. It is quite resistant to diseases. A slow-growing plant, 'Blue Lagoon' Andromeda reaches 50 cm (19.7 in) in height and 60 cm (23.6 in) in width, making it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and containers in acidic, moist, partially-shaded soils, even in mountain gardens.

Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Lagoon' is a beautiful small evergreen shrub that is well-suited for rock gardens, beds, and containers, even in shade. Use it to create blue borders on the edge of your groves or to create colourful masses in the wetter parts of the garden. It pairs well with other woodland heather shrubs such as camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas. Create natural scenes in your rock gardens by alternating the bog rosemary with prostrate and erect conifers.