Mertensia ciliata

Common Names

Tall Fringed Bluebells, Streamside Bluebells, Mountain Bluebells, Mountain Bell, Shortstyle Bluebells, Chiming Bells, Languid Ladies

Summary

Native to the western United States, this herb forms dense stands in moist subalpine meadows and along streams, with erect stems from a thick branched caudex and blue-green, veiny leaves edged with tiny cilia. Pendant, blue, bell-shaped flowers hang to one side of the stem in an open inflorescence, are fragrant, and shift from blue to pink-red with age; bloom May–August; reaches about 12–48 inches tall and spreads by rhizomes to form colonies.

Hardy to USDA zones 4–9, it grows in evenly moist, well-drained soils, tolerating loamy, sandy, or clay textures and ranging from semi-shade to full sun; easily grown in ordinary garden soil with some shade, preferring moist, peaty soil in full sun or light shade. Propagation by seed or division (spring division) is common. Used ornamentally in woodland or riparian plantings and valued for pollinator appeal, attracting bees and butterflies; flowers and young leaves edible raw while older hairy leaves are better cooked, containing alkaloids and not consumed in large quantities. Flowers rely on buzz-pollination by Bombus species, with nectar robbing reported in some populations.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

0.5-5 feet

Spread

1.5-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun, Partial Sun, or Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, loamy soil that drains well but retains moisture.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

6.5-6.5, Slightly acidic to neutral, Neutral acceptable

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Blue-green foliage.

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees