Prairie Bluebells, Narrowleaf Bluebells
Mertensia lanceolata (Prairie Bluebells) is a compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with one to several slightly arching stems boasting terminal clusters of small, nodding, bell-shaped, dark blue to pale blue to pinkish-purple flowers in late spring to early summer. The leaves are typically broad, lanceolate, alternate, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), with a prominent center vein. However, this Mertensia species is quite variable, in terms of flower color, form and leaf shape. Growing singly or in clusters, Prairie Bluebells is native to dry hillsides, plains, woodland openings, between 5,000 and 12,000 feet in the Rocky Mountain states and the northern Great Plains. Easy to grow, this spring ephemeral deserves a spot in the rock garden for the pleasure it provides.
| Hardiness |
3 - 6 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Boraginaceae |
| Common names | Bluebells |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early), |
| Height | 8" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, North Dakota, South Dakota, Midwest, Nebraska, Southwest, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Rocky Mountains, Colorado |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
| Hardiness |
3 - 6 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Boraginaceae |
| Common names | Bluebells |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early), |
| Height | 8" - 2' (20cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, North Dakota, South Dakota, Midwest, Nebraska, Southwest, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Rocky Mountains, Colorado |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Mertensia lanceolata (Prairie Bluebells) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Mertensia lanceolata (Prairie Bluebells) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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