Plant Finder

perennial

Siberian Bluebells

Mertensia sibirica

Add To My Wish List

 
Siberian Bluebells (Mertensia sibirica) at Homestead Gardens

Siberian Bluebells flowers

Siberian Bluebells flowers

(Photo courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries)

Plant Height:  12 inches

Flower Height:  24 inches

Spread:  16 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  1b

Description:

A delicate looking member of the borages, this hardy bluebell from Siberia features intense blue flowers which hang in small clusters from the erect flower stalks; tends to go dormant in summer, excellent for woodland plantings

Ornamental Features

Siberian Bluebells features dainty nodding blue bell-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer. Its attractive pointy leaves remain powder blue in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Siberian Bluebells is an herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Siberian Bluebells is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Siberian Bluebells will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 16 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen! As this plant tends to go dormant in summer, it is best interplanted with late-season bloomers to hide the dying foliage.

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Groundcover  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color 
Ornamental Features