prairie bluebells
Mertensia lanceolata
USDA zones3 to 6
SunNeeds partial sun (4 to 6 hours)
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Blue
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Prairie bluebells (Mertensia lanceolata) is a perennial for low maintenance beds, woodland gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. It grows 12 to 24 inches tall and bears blue flowers in spring. It belongs to the borage family, and its stems and leaves are often covered with bristly hairs.
Pairs well with Cutleaf toothwort, White phlox, Canada wild rye, and Amazing Grace tulip.
Native range
CO, MT, ND, NE, and 6 more places. See all 10
CO, MT, ND, NE, NM, SD, UT, WY; AB, MB, and SK.