Andromeda Propagation

Andromeda

• There are two main types of Andromeda. European native Andromeda polifolia is likely the bog rosemary you have seen in gardens, while Andromeda glaucophylla is a very hardy high tundra plant native to North America. The plant is a low-growing shrub that does not tolerate heat or drought. It is hardy to United States Department of Agriculture zone 2, but will not survive above zone 6. It bears umbels of white to pink flowers in May which become small brown fruits.

Seed

• Sow bog rosemary outdoors when the soils are workable. The best germination will occur when soil temperatures are at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Perform a soil test prior to sowing the seed and amend the pH if it is below 6.0. Surface sow the seed either by broadcasting or hand sowing 1 inch apart. Press the seed lightly into the soil so it gets good contact to prevent it from blowing away. Keep the seed bed evenly moist to encourage germination.

Division

• Most perennial plants can be divided, and bog rosemary is no exception. Dig up Andromeda in late winter or early spring when the plant is mostly dormant. Use a spade or sharp knife to cut the root ball into two or more pieces that have well formed roots and plenty of stems. Plant the new plants at the level in which they were originally growing and water them frequently until they have established. Divide annually when the plant begins to fail to produce flowers, or when it is leggy and splayed.

Layering

• Layering is an easy method of propagating woody stemmed plants. The process simply requires you to pin a low branch to the ground and bury it in soil at a growing point. Young tender growth roots best. You can also wound the site that will be buried to force roots more quickly. Once the branch has rooted, which may take up to a year, you can cut it off and plant the new roots in good, well worked soil.