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Herbaceous Perennial

Mertensia virginica
  • RHS AGM

Virginian bluebells

M. virginica is 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 ladies
chiming bells
see moreKentucky bluebells
Roanoke bells
smooth lungwort
tree lungwort
Virginian cowslip
Virginian spiderwort
blue iris
bluebells
Synonyms
Mertensia pulmonarioides
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Boraginaceae
Native to the UK
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

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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