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Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 17 Oct 2026methodology → read

Bog Rosemary

Andromeda glaucophylla
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Andromeda glaucophylla (Bog Rosemary) — botanical photograph
Pl. 01CA — Andromeda glaucophylla
Andromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophyllaAndromeda glaucophylla
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Overview

Bog Rosemary, scientifically known as Andromeda glaucophylla, is a small evergreen shrub native to northeastern North America, including states such as Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, and Maine, as well as parts of Canada like Labrador, Quebec, and Ontario. This plant thrives in moist, shaded environments with light or medium soil, making it well-suited for boggy areas. Bog Rosemary is recognized for its edible shoots, which can be used to make tea. Its ornamental value, with its distinctive appearance, also makes it a valuable addition to gardens and natural landscapes. Bog Rosemary requires partial sun to shade and moist conditions, and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. For propagation, shoot cuttings are effective. While not medicinal, caution should be exercised when handling the plant, as some species in the Ericaceae family can be toxic.

Quick answers

What is Bog Rosemary?

Bog Rosemary, scientifically known as Andromeda glaucophylla, is a small evergreen shrub native to northeastern North America, including states such as Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, and Maine, as well as parts of Canada like Labrador, Quebec, and Ontario.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Bog Rosemary thrives in partial sun to shade and requires moist to wet soil, making it ideal for bog gardens or areas with high humidity. The plant prefers light to medium soil and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. Hardy in temperate regions, it is native to northeastern North America and parts of Greenland. For propagation, shoot cuttings can be used. Regular watering is essential to maintain its health, and it can tolerate some shade but may not produce as much foliage.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Bog Rosemary for the first time

8steps

Start with Bog Rosemary by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a manageable project for beginners.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A small plant or seeds, a container with drainage holes, potting soil suitable for bog plants.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining mix of peat moss and sand. Ensure your container has good drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants into their final location or start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist. Place in a partially shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide partial shade and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize sparingly with an acidic fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape, but avoid cutting back too much as it may affect growth.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, using regular potting soil instead of a bog mix.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Shoots
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

25 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 25 native
Americas1 region
native (1)Greenland
Broader regions
native:Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Andromeda glaucophylla (Bog Rosemary) — botanical photograph
Bog Rosemary (Andromeda glaucophylla)
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Explore further

XII

About this entry

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