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Herbaceous Perennial
Mertensia virginica
Virginian bluebells
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
Other common names
blue and pink ladieschiming bells
see moreKentucky bluebells
Roanoke bells
smooth lungwort
tree lungwort
Virginian cowslip
Virginian spiderwort
blue iris
bluebells
Synonyms
Mertensia pulmonarioides
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Mertensia are herbaceous perennials with usually grey-green or blue-green leaves and nodding, blue, tubular or narrowly bell-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by root cuttings in autumn or early winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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