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Description
Mertensia Ciliata, also known as Tall Lungwort, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. This plant is native to North America, specifically to the western United States and Canada. It grows up to 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, and its leaves and stems are covered with tiny hairs. The flowers of Mertensia Ciliata are blue and pink, and they bloom in late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Mertensia |
Appearance
Mertensia Ciliata has long, lance-shaped leaves that are bright green and covered in tiny hairs. The leaves grow up to 6 inches long and 2 inches wide. The stems of the plant are also covered in hairs and are erect, branching out near the top. The flowers of Mertensia Ciliata are bell-shaped and range in color from blue to pink. They grow in clusters near the top of the stem and bloom in late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
To take care of Mertensia Ciliata, you need to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: Mertensia Ciliata needs moderate watering during its growing season. You should water it deeply once a week during dry spells.Fertilization: You can fertilize Mertensia Ciliata once a month during its growing season using a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Mertensia Ciliata prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve the soil quality.Sunlight: Mertensia Ciliata prefers partial to full shade, but it can tolerate some sun. The plant needs at least 4 hours of sunlight a day to grow and thrive.Hardiness Zones: Mertensia Ciliata is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mertensia Ciliata is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can be affected by powdery mildew and root rot. It can also be attacked by slugs and snails. To prevent these problems, you should keep the plant well-watered, avoid over-fertilizing, and keep the area around the plant free of debris and weeds. You can also use organic pest control methods to keep slugs and snails away.
Habitat
Mertensia Ciliata is native to North America and can be found growing in moist, shady areas, such as woodlands, meadows, and along streams and riverbanks. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and well-draining.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mertensia Ciliata a good plant for a shaded garden?
A: Yes, Mertensia Ciliata is an excellent plant for a shaded garden. It prefers partial to full shade and can thrive in moist, shady areas.
Q: Can Mertensia Ciliata grow in a container?
A: Yes, Mertensia Ciliata can grow in a container as long as it has enough room to grow and the soil is well-draining. You should also make sure to keep the plant well-watered and fertilized.
Q: How often should I fertilize Mertensia Ciliata?
A: You can fertilize Mertensia Ciliata once a month during its growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Mertensia Ciliata attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Mertensia Ciliata can attract hummingbirds and butterflies with its blue and pink flowers.
Related Plants
- Mertensia Paniculata
- Mertensia Maritima
- Mertensia Oblongifolia
References
- “Mertensia Ciliata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 12, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j400.
- “Mertensia Ciliata (Tall Lungwort).” Gardenia.net. Accessed May 12, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/mertensia-ciliata-tall-lungwort.
- “Mertensia Ciliata.” Plant Database. Accessed May 12, 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MECI2.
