Andromeda Plants
Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009
by Dennis Sons
tn nursery
Andromeda Plants
When going to a nursery, one of the most popular evergreen plants hardy to cold temperatures are the Andromeda species. This plant species belongs to the Heather family Ericaceae. The only true Andromeda species the A polifolia, which is a native plant in Europe and The United Kingdom. The majority of Andromeda plants only grow to a height of 6-16 inches and bear red purple flowers during summer. Andromeda plants are best grown in bog gardens. Other plants usually classified as Andromeda include the Cassandra, Cassiopeia, Leucothoe, Lyonia, Oxydendrum, Pieris, and Zenobia.
Andromeda plants thrive in acidic peat soil or sandy loam which should have little or no lime. Prior to planting any Andromeda plant, always taste the soil to ensure that it has the right acidity and is lime free. If the soil is alkaline, one can add sphagnum peat moss into the soil to make the soil more acidic
Since bogs are by nature moist and damp, this favors growth of the Andromeda plant. If the soil is not moist, one may need to water it regularly to allow the plant to grow. Way t increase moisture is to mulch the surrounding area with at least 3-5 inches of loose organic plant material.
Most nursery owners will tell you that Andromeda shrubs do not tolerate hot dry weather. If your home environment is constantly hot, arid and dry, then it is best not to grow this shrub.
During the first year, most Andromeda plants do flower irrespective of the conditions. However, once the plant is established, it will not produce flowers if the soil conditions are not right. If the plant fails to produce flowers in the second year, check the soil for acidity and moisture. Moreover make sure that the plant is getting adequate sunlight. Andromeda plants typically require at least 4-6 hours of sun per day. If the area is surrounded by large trees, then the option may be to move the plant or cut down the trees.
For more on the Andromeda plants, visit TN nursery.com
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