oysterplant

Also known as: gromwell; oysterleaf; sea bugloss; sea lungwort

M. maritima is a spreading, prostrate perennial with fleshy, blue-grey-green leaves, up to 10cm long, and branched clusters of bright blue, bell-shaped flowers opening from pink buds in early summer

oysterplant

Scientific classification

Species
oysterplant (Mertensia maritima)
Genus
Mertensia
Family
Boraginaceae
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type
Up to 10 cm
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
Deciduous
Foliage
Trailing
Habit
Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest
Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

oysterplant pictures

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Distribution of oysterplant

Distribution map

Plant distribution
  • Native
  • Introduced
  • Cultivated

Source:WCVP v16 · Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · CC BY 3.0 · Boundaries:WGSRPD / TDWG

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of oysterplant

Information to be completed

oysterplant care guide

Moist coastal substrate, water regularly but ensure full drainage flow
Watering
Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moist coastal substrate, water regularly but ensure full drainage flow

Fertilizing

Light balanced liquid feed monthly spring through early summer blooms

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn; keep young plants shaded and do not allow the soil to dry out. Divide plants carefully as new growth begins in spring

Growing

Grow in sharply-drained, gritty soil with low fertility in full sun with some midday shade

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Generally disease free

Pests

May be attacked by slugs and snails

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