Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Virginia cowslip, Mertensia virginica, is a pretty woodland plant native to North America, bearing violet-blue bell-shaped, nodding flowers in spring. Hardy, it does well in British gardens, but thrives best in partial shade, particularly during the hottest part of the day.

Plant Mertensia virginica in humus-rich soil in clumps or drifts for a gentle woodland look, or at the front of partially shaded borders.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyesyes

Mertensia and wildlife

Mertensia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Mertensia poisonous?

Mertensia has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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