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Tue, Apr 6, 10 at 18:29
| I'm looking at using Andromeda 'Blue Ice' in a foundation planting. I'd like to know if it would be good for the setting I have.
I'm in zone 4a, Twin Cities Minnesota. This shrub will be located within a few feet of the front of my house. So, it will likely get sun from dawn till about noon. I use a rock mulch in this area (not my choice, the previous owners did this)... it's a beige limestone. It will go in front of my hose, so I'd like it to kind of mask it. I cannot be sure that this spot is on my irrigation system. I do not know the pH of the soil in this area as it has been covered by 6" of said rock and landscape plastic for the last 7+ years. Will this be a good location? Too much sun?
Thanks!
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Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by mad_gallica Z5 Eastern NY (My Page) on Tue, Apr 6, 10 at 21:40
| You need to find out the pH. Here, with a pH of about 7.2, they last about two years before going pfft. I'm guessing the zone and the sun exposure will be pushing them some, so too high a pH would just be the last straw. |
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- Posted by mainegrower Z5b ME (My Page) on Wed, Apr 7, 10 at 5:59
| I assume you're referring to andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice', a selected form of a. polifolia (aka bog rosemary). This is a very small growing plant not really suited to foundation planting. It also needs very moist, intensely acid soil. All of the various forms of bog rosemary look beautiful in their pots. Growing them well in the garden is another story entirely. They are very difficult to keep alive and never look as good as they did at the nursery. |
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- Posted by gardengal48 PNW zone 8 (My Page) on Wed, Apr 7, 10 at 11:23
| They are very difficult to keep alive and never look as good as they did at the nursery. Amen to that!! |
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- Posted by thisismelissa z4a-S Twin Cities MN (My Page) on Wed, Apr 7, 10 at 22:01
| Sounds like all I need to know about this one is to just leave it at the nursery! |
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