Andromeda polifolia Blue Ice

Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice', also known as Bog Rosemary or Bog Andromeda, is a compact and bushy shrub that is truly ornamental with its evergreen foliage that is silver-blue reminiscent of rosemary. It showcases a long flowering period with charming clusters of pink bells. It is cultivated like a Japanese azalea, in a pot on the terrace, in a cool rockery, or in a heather bed, preferably in partial shade.

Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice' belongs to the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, rhododendrons, and strawberry trees. It is a Canadian horticultural selection that has foliage that is more silver and bluish than the wild species. The latter, listed as a protected species in France, is a small shrub that naturally grows in peaty marshes in our mountains, at medium altitudes. The 'Blue Ice' cultivar has a spreading and rounded habit, forming a cushion shape. Slow-growing, it reaches a height of about 30cm (11.8in) with a spread of 40-50cm. The shrub develops slender, upright branches adorned with leathery, thin, slightly curled leaves with pointed tips, measuring 1 to 3cm (0.4 to 1.2in) long. Their spring colour is silver-blue, then turns bluish-green in summer. The plant blooms from April to June. At the tips of the stems, small clusters of 2 to 8 pendulous urn-shaped flowers appear, in a lovely bright pink colour, resembling those of strawberry trees. Each flower measures less than 1cm (0.4in) long. The fruit is a globular capsule that starts off pink and turns black in early autumn, standing out well against the foliage.

Andromeda 'Blue Ice', very cold-hardy and resistant to diseases, is a plant that nevertheless has specific soil, exposure, and climate requirements. If you have success growing Japanese azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries, this shrub will thrive in your garden. It is fairly easy to cultivate in pots, using acidic and moist soil, with non-calcareous water for watering, and avoiding direct sunlight. This small shrub can be planted in partially shaded alpine rockeries, alongside low-growing and upright conifers, for example. Use it also to create blue borders on the edge of your groves or to create colorful masses in the more humid parts of the garden. It pairs well with other heather-loving shrubs such as Kalmias, Pieris, rhododendrons, and other azaleas.