Mertensia maritima
oysterplant
A spreading, prostrate perennial with fleshy, blue-grey-green leaves, up to 10cm long, and branched clusters of bright blue, bell-shaped flowers opening from pink buds in early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Pink | Blue Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Blue Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- 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
- Northern Hemisphere
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in sharply-drained, gritty soil with low fertility in full sun with some midday shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn; keep young plants shaded and do not allow the soil to dry out. Divide plants carefully as new growth begins in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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