Blue Ice Bog Rosemary in Winter

Blue ice bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia ‘Blue Ice’) is a compact hardy evergreen shrub that thrives in wet areas. Its silvery-blue foliage and bright pink spring flowers make it a beautiful addition to landscapes and gardens. However blue ice bog rosemary requires some special care during the winter months to ensure it survives the cold temperatures and emerges healthy in spring.

Overwintering Blue Ice Bog Rosemary

Blue ice bog rosemary is cold hardy to zone 3, meaning it can withstand frigid winter temperatures However, it still benefits from some protection during the dormant season Here are a few tips for overwintering blue ice bog rosemary

• Keep It Moist – This plant needs consistently moist soil, even in winter. Check soil moisture levels regularly and water whenever the top few inches become dry.

• Add Mulch – A 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone insulates roots and maintains soil moisture. Shredded bark, evergreen boughs or hay make good organic mulches.

• Protect from Wind – Strong winter winds can damage foliage and dry out plants. Place blue ice bog rosemary in a sheltered spot or surround with a windbreak.

• Remove Dead Growth – In late winter, prune out any dead or damaged stems to improve air circulation and appearance.

• Fertilize in Spring – Apply an acidic fertilizer like cottonseed meal or Holly-Tone when new growth emerges. This provides nutrients after a long winter.

Winter Appearance

The appearance of blue ice bog rosemary changes in winter but it remains attractive with proper care. Here’s what to expect:

• Foliage turns a bronzy-purple color as temperatures drop. The blue-green summer color will return in spring.

• Leaves persist but may shrivel or brown on exposed sites. Sheltered plants retain the best foliage.

• Flower buds form in fall and remain over winter. They open into light pink blooms in early spring.

• Stems become more visible when leaves decrease. The red bark adds nice winter interest.

• Plants low to the ground can become covered by snow. This actually helps insulate them.

• Damaged sections may die back but healthy stems and roots allow it to regenerate in spring.

Troubleshooting Problems

If your blue ice bog rosemary struggles with winter damage, try these troubleshooting tips:

• Increase watering before the ground freezes to boost soil moisture.

• Add evergreen boughs or straw as extra insulation around the base of plants.

• Cover with fabric row cover to protect from desiccating winds. Remove once temperatures warm.

• Plant in a sheltered spot like near a house foundation or behind evergreen shrubs.

• Improve drainage in boggy areas where plants may become waterlogged.

• Hold off pruning dead stems until spring so foliage continues protecting buds.

With proper siting and care, blue ice bog rosemary develops spectacular displays year after year. Paying attention to its winter needs ensures your plants survive the cold season and grow vigorously once spring arrives.