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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Mertensia paniculata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves
Edible Uses:

Flowers - raw[172]. Leaves - raw or cooked[172]. The leaves are rather hairy and are not so nice when eaten raw[172].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in an ordinary garden soil with some shade[1, 111]. Prefers a deep moist but well-drained humus-rich soil in sun or semi-shade[200]. If the plant is cut down after flowering, it will normally produce another flush of flowers[233]. A very ornamental plant[233], it grows well in open woodland[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[1, 200]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Protect from direct sunlight[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division, with care, in early spring or autumn[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Mertensia bella	Beautiful bluebells	Perennial	0.6	0-0		LMH	SN	MWe	1	0
Mertensia ciliata	Mountain Bell, Tall fringed bluebells	Perennial	0.8	4-8		LMH	SN	MWe	1	1
Mertensia longiflora	Small bluebells	Perennial	0.4	3-7		LMH	SN	M	1	0
Mertensia maritima	Oyster Plant	Perennial	0.2	3-7		LM	N	DM	3	0
Mertensia oblongifolia	Oblongleaf bluebells	Perennial	0.3	4-8		LMH	SN	MWe	1	0
Saxifraga mertensiana	Wood saxifrage	Perennial	0.0	0-0		LMH	SN	MWe	1	0
Tsuga mertensiana	Mountain Hemlock	Tree	45.0	5-7	M	LMH	FSN	M	1	2	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Mertensia paniculata - (Aiton.)G.Don.