About
A compact herbaceous perennial with branched stems to 45cm in height, with oval, greyish leaves and terminal clusters of nodding, funnel-shaped violet-blue flowers 2cm in length.
About the genus
Mertensia are herbaceous perennials with usually grey-green or blue-green leaves and nodding, blue, tubular or narrowly bell-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHerbaceous borders, cottage gardens, cutting.
Native toE North America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by root cuttings in autumn or early winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free