Tall Fringed Bluebells

(Mertensia ciliata)

Tall Fringed Bluebells (Mertensia ciliata)

Robb Hannawacker

Public Domain

Image By: Robb Hannawacker

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Mertensia ciliata, commonly known as Tall Fringed Bluebells, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in the moist, well-drained soils of subalpine meadows and open, montane woodlands in the Mountain West of the United States. It typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet and spreads 1 to 2 feet wide, forming clumps of lance-shaped leaves and erect stems. The plant is renowned for its striking inflorescence, which consists of an open array of many clustered blue bell-shaped flowers, each measuring between 1 and 2 centimeters long. The flowers are particularly showy, with a tubular shape that expands into a wider, lobed mouth, exuding a delicate fragrance. As the flowers mature, they undergo a captivating color change from blue to pink-red. The flowers are adapted for buzz-pollination, primarily by bumblebee species (Bombus spp.), which vibrate the poricidal anthers to release pollen.

Tall Fringed Bluebells are valued for their ornamental qualities, especially the transformation of flower colors and their ability to attract pollinators. They are often used in wildflower gardens, woodland plantings, and as border accents in cooler climates. Gardeners should provide them with conditions that mimic their native habitat, including partial shade to full sun exposure, consistently moist soil, and good drainage. While they prefer high amounts of water, they are somewhat drought-tolerant once established. They are not commonly afflicted by diseases or pests, but gardeners should be mindful of root rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-4 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Blue, Purple
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: High
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Subalpine meadows and open, montane woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Tall Chiming-Bells, Mountain Bluebells, Streamside Bluebells, Shortstyle Bluebells, Tall Fringe Bluebells, Berg-Blauglöckchen, Lundfjärva

Scientific Names: , Mertensia ciliata, Mertensia ciliata var. ciliata, Mertensia ciliata var. subpubescens, Mertensia polyphylla, Mertensia incongruens, Mertensia polyphylla var. platensis, Mertensia subpubescens, Mertensia ciliata var. latiloba, Mertensia ciliata var. polyphylla

GBIF Accepted Name: Mertensia ciliata (James ex Torr.) G.Don