Overview
Mertensia virginica 'Rubra' is a perennial in the genus Mertensia, part of the Boraginaceae family. Mertensia virginica 'Rubra' grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include woodland garden, shade garden and naturalizing. It is native to Ontario and Quebec.
About
Mertensia virginica 'Rubra' is a perennial in the borage family that produces spring flowers from April to June. Native to Ontario and Quebec, it favours moist, rich, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic reaction. Grow in partial to full shade on a north or east aspect in a sheltered spot. It is suited to woodland and shade gardens and to naturalising in suitable sites.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Mertensia virginica
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 virginica 'Rubra' is a spring-flowering perennial in the Boraginaceae, originating from Ontario and Quebec. It flowers from April to June and is best treated as a seasonal spring interest plant that emerges in the cool months and flowers before the canopy fully leafs up. Place plants where they receive partial to full shade, on a north or east-facing aspect and sheltered from driving winds. The species thrives in loamy, rich, well-drained soil that remains moist and performs best on a neutral to slightly acidic pH; avoid dry, exposed sites. Mulching with an organic layer will help retain moisture through spring and into early summer. Use Mertensia virginica 'Rubra' in the woodland garden, in shady borders or to naturalise beneath trees and large shrubs where soil moisture is steady. Group plants to create drifts rather than single specimens; they occupy the shaded ground layer effectively. Allow the planted area to remain undisturbed so successive seasons can build a naturalised colony in the shady parts of the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Mertensia
- Sunlight
- partial shade, full shade
- Soil type
- loamy, rich, well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
Plant details
Mertensia virginica 'Rubra' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- woodland garden, shade garden, naturalizing
- Native to
- Ontario, Quebec
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Mertensia virginica 'Rubra'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry or exposed sites.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to tidy appearance; cut back foliage after it dies down.
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Mertensia virginica 'Rubra'?
Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry or exposed sites.
Where is the best place to plant Mertensia virginica 'Rubra'?
Mertensia virginica 'Rubra' prefers partial shade and full shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Mertensia virginica 'Rubra' need?
Mertensia virginica 'Rubra' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, rich and well-drained. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Mertensia virginica 'Rubra'?
Remove spent flowers to tidy appearance; cut back foliage after it dies down.
How do I propagate Mertensia virginica 'Rubra'?
Seed, division.
More in the Mertensia genus
- Mertensia asiaticaBluebell
- Mertensia ciliatamountain bluebell
- Mertensia ciliata 'Blue Drop'Mountain Bluebell
- Mertensia maritimaoysterplant
- Mertensia paniculataLake Superior bluebell
- Mertensia virginicaVirginian bluebells
