Andromeda polifolia Compacta

'Compacta' Andromeda polifolia is a variety distinguished by its compact and dense habit of growth. It is a dwarf shrub that spreads to 40 cm (16 in) in all directions, with thin and finely divided branches carrying glaucous, fine, and tough foliage reminiscent of rosemary. It is evergreen and provides year-round decoration to gardens and pots. From April to June it produces numerous clusters of small pinkish-white bells, delicately suspended at the end of their long, arching stems, transforming it into a cloud of pink! A very hardy and floriferous plant, perfect as ground cover in gardens with acidic, moist to wet, partially shaded soil.

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

Andromeda polifolia 'Compacta' is a small-sized bog rosemary variety with a spreading habit. Flowering is very decorative and abundant, with pendulous, pinkish-white bells measuring 1 cm (0.4 in) in length gathered in arching clusters raised above its cushion of fine foliage. The 'Compacta' Andromeda grows in well-drained, light, moist to wet soil, preferably acidic, and in full sun that is not scorching, or partial shade. It is fairly resistant to diseases. With a slow growth rate, the 40 cm (16 in) tall 'Compacta' Andromeda is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and containers in mountain gardens with acidic, moist, partially shaded soils.

Andromeda polifolia 'Compacta' is a beautiful evergreen shrub that works well in rock gardens, flower beds, and containers, even in shaded areas. Use it to create blue borders on the edges of groves or to add colourful masses in the wetter parts of your garden. It pairs well with other acid-loving shrubs such as camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas. Create natural scenes in your rock gardens by alternating the bog rosemary with prostrate and erect conifers.