The care information provided in this section represents the kind of practical advice is available for all the plants in this web site if you subscribe to the monthly customized newsletter Yardener’s Advisor.
Watering Bog Rosemary
Bog rosemary needs moisture at all times. If it has been planted in an appropriate place (see above) it will need supplemental watering only during severe drought when creeks, swampy areas and springs dry up. When in doubt, water, because it is almost impossible to damage this plant by over watering.
Fertilizing Bog Rosemary
Most native plants like bog rosemary do very well on their own, as they do in their natural setting, if they are in the proper soil to begin with. However, under cultivated conditions such as on a residential property, it is advisable to offer them some fertilizer once a year. In the spring sprinkle a handful of fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants on the soil around each plant clump for the rain to soak in. For more information see file About Fertilizers.
Mulching
Since it is a low growing creeper, established bog rosemary has few weed problems. However, when it is first planted spread a layer of peat moss, pine needles or chopped leaves on the soil over the roots to discourage any weeds that may be tempted to germinate in the recently disturbed soil. A 2 or 3 inch covering of this organic material will also absorb and hold moisture, blocking its evaporation from the soil below. For more information see file on Using Mulch.
Pruning/Grooming
Routine pruning is not necessary with bog rosemary. Allow it to follow its natural habit, becoming more twiggy and dense and forming low mounds over time. It may be necessary to clip away the occasional broken branch. If it seems desirable to reduce its size somewhat, clip off branch tips immediately after flowering in late spring.
For more information see files on Pruning Shrubs and Choosing Pruning Tools.
