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(Mertensia franciscana)
Franciscan Bluebells (Mertensia franciscana)
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CK Kelly
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
CK Kelly
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: CK Kelly | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: CK Kelly | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-07-07T18:44:15Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Mertensia franciscana, commonly known as Franciscan Bluebells, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to alpine and subalpine habitats, such as meadows and moist areas in the mountainous regions of the Western United States. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming clumps of soft, green foliage. The plant is notable for its bell-shaped flowers, which bloom in late spring to early summer and range in color from deep blue to purple, adding a splash of color to garden settings.
Franciscan Bluebells are valued for their showy flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. They are often used in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and borders, where their low maintenance and tolerance for partial shade make them a versatile choice. While they prefer consistently moist soil, they are somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that Mertensia franciscana can be sensitive to overly dry conditions and may require additional watering during prolonged dry spells.CC BY-SA 4.0
Franciscan Bluebells are valued for their showy flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. They are often used in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and borders, where their low maintenance and tolerance for partial shade make them a versatile choice. While they prefer consistently moist soil, they are somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that Mertensia franciscana can be sensitive to overly dry conditions and may require additional watering during prolonged dry spells.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple, Blue
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to alpine and subalpine habitats in the mountainous regions of the Western United States
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Mertensia franciscana, Mertensia alba, Mertensia grandis, Mertensia pratensis f. alba,
GBIF Accepted Name: Mertensia franciscana A.Heller