Overview
Mertensia paniculata is a shrub in the genus Mertensia, part of the Boraginaceae family. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Mertensia paniculata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to northwestern North America and Great Lakes region.
About
Mertensia paniculata is a shrub notable for its nodding, bell-shaped blue flowers produced in spring. It typically reaches about 0.8 m and originates from northwestern North America and the Great Lakes region. Plants produce their main display from April to June. It prefers moist to wet soils and a sunny position.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mertensia paniculata
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 paniculata, commonly called Lake Superior bluebell, is a small shrub that carries clusters of nodding bell-shaped flowers. Native to northwestern North America and the Great Lakes region, it is suited to temperate climates and is grown for its clear blue spring blooms. Mature specimens are compact, reaching roughly 0.8 m. Plant in a sunny position and use soils that range from sandy through loamy to clay, provided they remain moist; the species tolerates wet ground as well as moist but well-drained sites. It is rated H7 in the UK system (fully hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–8, so it withstands severe winters in exposed sites. Avoid placing it in permanently dry soil. Use Mertensia paniculata where a spring blue display is required: a moist mixed border, the edge of a meadowed area, or a naturalistic planting scheme where soils remain cool. Allow space for its rounded habit at around 0.8 m high. Flowering is concentrated from April to June, when the nodding blue bells are most evident.
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 paniculata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Native to
- northwestern North America, Great Lakes region
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Mertensia paniculata?
Mertensia paniculata prefers full sun.
What soil does Mertensia paniculata need?
Mertensia paniculata 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 paniculata grow?
Mertensia paniculata reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Mertensia paniculata hardy in the UK?
Mertensia paniculata 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 ciliata 'Blue Drop'Mountain Bluebell
- Mertensia maritimaoysterplant
- Mertensia virginicaVirginian bluebells
- Mertensia virginica 'Rubra'Red Virginia Bluebells