Photo of Mertensia simplicissima flower by Far Reaches Farm

Photo by Far Reaches Farm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Mertensia simplicissima

Also Known As

  • Mertensia asiatica
  • Beach Bluebells
  • Oyster Plant

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 6"-8"
  • W: 16"-20"

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

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Mertensia simplicissima plant details

Mertensia simplicissima is a slow-growing broadleaf deciduous perennial with blue foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Mertensia simplicissima

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: boraginaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 16 IN - 20 IN - wide, 6 IN - 8 IN - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: alpine, container plant, edging plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Mertensia simplicissima

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, gritty and well-drained

Gardening facts about Mertensia simplicissima plant

How to Grow Mertensia simplicissima

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Mertensia for your garden

aka Lungwort Oysterleaf, Roanoke Bells, Virginia Bluebells, Virginia Cowslip

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-8b

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 12"-18"

  • bright shade - shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Mertensia virginica flower by Christian Hummert
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aka Blue Bells, Tall Fringed Blue Bells

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-5'

  • bright shade - shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Mertensia ciliata flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Oysterleaf

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 4"

Width: 12"

  • sun - shade
  • regular
Photo of Mertensia maritima flower by Danielle Langlois
View Plant

More Options

+2 more Mertensia
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