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.

Broadleaf bluebells

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Mertensia platyphylla

Last reviewed: November 2026

Broadleaf bluebells (Mertensia platyphylla) is a perennial forb native to WA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bumble bees and bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Broadleaf bluebells, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Broadleaf bluebells (Mertensia platyphylla) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bumble bees, bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains

A 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.

Growing Broadleaf bluebells

Grow Broadleaf bluebells in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Broadleaf bluebells? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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