Mertensia paniculata - (Aiton.)G.Don.
(Aiton.)G.Don.
Tall bluebells, Alaska tall bluebells, Northern bluebells, Eastwood's bluebells
gbif· cc-by-nc
bailinator
gbif· cc-by-nc
Sam Hain
gbif· cc-by-nc
whitemudwayne
Description
Mertensia paniculata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Edible Uses
Flowers - raw. Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves are rather hairy and are not so nice when eaten raw.
Distribution
Western N. America - Hudson Bay to Alaska, south to Michigan, Nebraska, Idaho and Washington.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia), United States (Michigan, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Alaska)
Cultivation
Easily grown in an ordinary garden soil with some shade. Prefers a deep moist but well-drained humus-rich soil in sun or semi-shade. If the plant is cut down after flowering, it will normally produce another flush of flowers. A very ornamental plant, it grows well in open woodland.
Propagation
Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Protect from direct sunlight. 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. Division, with care, in early spring or autumn.
