Tall Mountain Bluebells
Mertensia ciliata
zones 2-5
35 seeds
Several one to three foot stems emerge in a clump from the woody root of Tall Mountain Bluebells. Smooth, succulent leaves are crowded along these stems. Loose clusters of narrowly bell-shaped, blue flowers turning pink with age. The pendent clusters of tubular flowers exude a mild fragrance. Root crowns and rhizomes spread over time, forming extensive patches. Tall Mountain Bluebells prefer stream banks, wet meadows, damp thickets and wet cliffs from the foothills to high elevations in the mountain. Mertensias are also called Lungworts, after a European species with spotted leaves which was believed to be a remedy for lung disease.
Tall Mountain Bluebells are easily grown in an ordinary garden soil with some shade. They require a moist peaty soil in full sun or light shade. Seed is best sown in autumn in prepared growing area. Stored seed is sown as early in the year as possible. Protect from direct sunlight. Seeds may also be started in a cold frame in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Mertensia ciliata
zones 2-5
35 seeds
Several one to three foot stems emerge in a clump from the woody root of Tall Mountain Bluebells. Smooth, succulent leaves are crowded along these stems. Loose clusters of narrowly bell-shaped, blue flowers turning pink with age. The pendent clusters of tubular flowers exude a mild fragrance. Root crowns and rhizomes spread over time, forming extensive patches. Tall Mountain Bluebells prefer stream banks, wet meadows, damp thickets and wet cliffs from the foothills to high elevations in the mountain. Mertensias are also called Lungworts, after a European species with spotted leaves which was believed to be a remedy for lung disease.
Tall Mountain Bluebells are easily grown in an ordinary garden soil with some shade. They require a moist peaty soil in full sun or light shade. Seed is best sown in autumn in prepared growing area. Stored seed is sown as early in the year as possible. Protect from direct sunlight. Seeds may also be started in a cold frame in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Mertensia ciliata
zones 2-5
35 seeds
Several one to three foot stems emerge in a clump from the woody root of Tall Mountain Bluebells. Smooth, succulent leaves are crowded along these stems. Loose clusters of narrowly bell-shaped, blue flowers turning pink with age. The pendent clusters of tubular flowers exude a mild fragrance. Root crowns and rhizomes spread over time, forming extensive patches. Tall Mountain Bluebells prefer stream banks, wet meadows, damp thickets and wet cliffs from the foothills to high elevations in the mountain. Mertensias are also called Lungworts, after a European species with spotted leaves which was believed to be a remedy for lung disease.
Tall Mountain Bluebells are easily grown in an ordinary garden soil with some shade. They require a moist peaty soil in full sun or light shade. Seed is best sown in autumn in prepared growing area. Stored seed is sown as early in the year as possible. Protect from direct sunlight. Seeds may also be started in a cold frame in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.