Overview
Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' is a garden plant in the genus Mertensia, part of the Boraginaceae family. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.
About
A perennial in the Boraginaceae, Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' bears nodding bell-shaped blue flowers that age to pink-red and open in spring. It reaches about 0.8 m and flowers from April to June. Best grown in full sun in soils that range from sandy to clay provided they remain moist or wet and are well drained. Fully hardy (H7; USDA 4–8), it suits damp positions where early summer colour is required.
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
A member of the borage family, Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' (commonly called mountain bluebell) produces clusters of hanging, bell-like flowers that open blue then shift toward pink-red as they age, with peak display in April to June. The cultivar typically reaches around 0.8 metres, forming erect stems from a perennial base and giving a clear vertical presence in spring borders and damp beds. Plant in a sunny site where the soil stays moist; it tolerates sandy, loamy and clay substrates so long as drainage prevents stagnation. Position the crown level with the soil and water into the planting hole to settle roots; established clumps survive UK winters at H7 and perform across USDA zones 4–8. Avoid prolonged drought during the first season while roots establish. Use Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' on stream margins, pond edges, wetter back borders or in naturalistic schemes where moisture is available. At about 0.8 metres high it sits well behind lower perennials and in front of taller grasses, giving an early summer wash of changing blue to pink tones rather than a single, static colour.
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 'Blue Drop' size, habit and characteristics
- Height
- 0.8 m
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop'?
Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' prefers full sun.
What soil does Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' need?
Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' 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 'Blue Drop' grow?
Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' hardy in the UK?
Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop' 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 ciliatamountain bluebell
- Mertensia maritimaoysterplant
- Mertensia paniculataLake Superior bluebell
- Mertensia virginicaVirginian bluebells
- Mertensia virginica 'Rubra'Red Virginia Bluebells