Re: bluebells/ Mertensia
- Subject: Re: bluebells/ Mertensia
- From: G*
- Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 06:49:41 -0400
Hello Bill,
Since Mertensia virginica is almost a weed around here, frequent early spring
walks in the country is the best means of locating a white blooming or pure pink
blooming form. I know where a large patch of metensia grows locally along a small
creek right up to the edge of the gravel road. This patch runs for perhaps 300
feet and about 50 to 60 feet wide between the creek and road side. There are
numerous forms of both white and pink in the stands. Keep intending to go up there
and collect a few of each for seed production, but never find the time... too busy
shipping to everyone else at that time of the year:-))
I try to collect a few seeds from my garden of the native, but this year I
failed to pay attention as they went over. For the species native to the western
part of the US, try some of the seed companies on that side of the mountains such
as Northwest Native Seeds. The rest is simply having a list of species you want
and keep your eye focused as you do searches on the web, or catalogs. Every once
in a while I end up with a species or two listed in my catalog, but they sell out
almost immediately.
If you ever come visit remind me of this conversation and bring something nice
to trade... have a few hidden mertensia out in the holding area that I am growing
on.
Uvualria are the best of companions for mertensia. Bloom at the same time,
yellow goes with blue and pink just fine, thank you, and the Uvularia has great
foliage that does not die back until heavy freeze.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: <Blee811@aol.com>
Subject: Re: bluebells/ Mertensia
> Thanks, Gene. I knew there were other species, but have never pursued them.
> I need to get merrybells again. I've lost it for some reason. I never had
> it planted with Mertensia, but I can picture how great the combination would
> look. I like the color changes in the M. virginica too--most of mine open
> with pinkish flowers and then change to blue. Most plants show various
> stages of the two colors for a short while before the blue develops fully.
> I'm intrigued by a white and a pink one though, and the summer-blooming one.
> Any idea where to start the search?
> Bill Lee
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