Mountain Andromeda Plant Care

Mountain Andromeda (Andromeda catesbaei) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Andromeda genus. Mountain Andromeda is native to the southeastern United States, with the common names swamp dog-laurel and coastal dog-hobble. Mountain Andromeda is also known as Bog Rosemary.

Mountain Andromeda displays a compact, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Mountain Andromeda produces clusters of small bell-shaped white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mountain Andromeda every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Mountain Andromeda thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Andromeda catesbaei tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Mountain Andromeda prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Mountain Andromeda to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mountain Andromeda every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mountain Andromeda is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Mountain Andromeda can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Mountain Andromeda while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Mountain Andromeda is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mountain Andromeda can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bog rosemary plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Mountain Andromeda is susceptible to spider mites, lace bugs, nematodes. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Mountain Andromeda grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mountain Andromeda is native to the southeastern United States, with the common names swamp dog-laurel and coastal dog-hobble. In cooler regions, grow Mountain Andromeda as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.