Overview
Mertensia ciliata is a perennial herb in the genus Mertensia, part of the Boraginaceae family. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Mertensia ciliata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to western North America.
About
Mertensia ciliata is a perennial herb in the borage family that bears clusters of pendent bell-shaped flowers which open blue and age to pink‑red. Stems reach around 0.8 m and the plant flowers from April to June. It is native to western North America and occurs where soils remain moist to wet.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mertensia ciliata
About the genus
Mertensia is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family Boraginaceae. They are perennial herbaceous plants with blue or sometimes white flowers that open from pink-tinged buds.
In the garden
Mertensia ciliata belongs to the Boraginaceae and arises as erect, leafy stems to about 0.8 m, producing a succession of bell-shaped blooms from April to June. It is native to western North America and has a natural affinity for damp sites, which is reflected in one of its common names, streamside bluebells. Grow it in full sun in soils that range from sandy to loamy or clay, provided they stay moist but are not left bone-dry; it also tolerates persistently wet ground. In UK hardiness terms it is H7, fully hardy, and it corresponds to USDA zones 4–8, so it withstands severe winters across Britain when sited where soil moisture is reliable. Use Mertensia ciliata at pond or stream margins, in damp mixed borders or naturalistic, moisture-retentive areas where a taller herbaceous presence is wanted. At roughly 0.8 m tall it provides vertical structure in spring and early summer; the flowers open blue and then age to pink‑red, giving a subtle seasonal shift in colour from April to June.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mertensia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Mertensia ciliata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Native to
- western North America
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mertensia ciliata?
Mertensia ciliata prefers full sun.
What soil does Mertensia ciliata need?
Mertensia ciliata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How big does Mertensia ciliata grow?
Mertensia ciliata reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Mertensia ciliata hardy in the UK?
Mertensia ciliata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
More in the Mertensia genus
- Mertensia asiaticaBluebell
- Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop'Mountain Bluebell
- Mertensia maritimaoysterplant
- Mertensia paniculataLake Superior bluebell
- Mertensia virginicaVirginian bluebells
- Mertensia virginica 'Rubra'Red Virginia Bluebells