Broadleaf bluebells
Mertensia platyphylla
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
WA
Pollinators
bumble bees, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Find rebates in your areaA woodland perennial with broad, textured leaves and clusters of nodding, bell-shaped blue flowers held above the foliage in spring. It forms a neat clump in shaded, humus-rich soil.
Wildlife value
The nodding blue flowers are a favored early nectar source for bumble bee queens emerging in spring.
Common questions
- How much sun does Broadleaf bluebells need?
- Broadleaf bluebells grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Broadleaf bluebells bloom?
- Broadleaf bluebells blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Broadleaf bluebells native?
- Broadleaf bluebells (Mertensia platyphylla) is native to WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Broadleaf bluebells attract?
- Broadleaf bluebells draws bumble bees and bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
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