Drummond’s Bluebells: A Rare Arctic Beauty
If you’re dreaming of delicate blue flowers dancing in your garden, Drummond’s bluebells (Mertensia drummondii) might catch your eye. But before you add this charming perennial to your wishlist, there’s quite a bit you should know about this remarkable arctic native.
What Makes Drummond’s Bluebells Special
Drummond’s bluebells is a herbaceous perennial forb that produces clusters of small, bell-shaped blue flowers. Like other members of the borage family, these blooms have that distinctive drooping habit that gives them their bells nickname. The plant typically features soft, bluish-green foliage that complements the delicate flowers beautifully.
This isn’t your average garden perennial, though. Drummond’s bluebells is specifically adapted to some of the harshest growing conditions on Earth, making it a true survivor of the arctic landscape.
Where It Calls Home
Drummond’s bluebells is native to the far northern reaches of North America, specifically Alaska and Canada’s Northwest Territories. This plant has evolved to thrive in arctic and subarctic conditions where most other plants simply cannot survive.
A Word of Caution: Rarity Matters
Here’s where things get serious. Drummond’s bluebells has a Global Conservation Status of S2S3, meaning it’s considered uncommon to rare in its natural habitat. This rarity status is crucial for any gardener considering this plant.
If you’re thinking about growing Drummond’s bluebells, you absolutely must source it responsibly. This means:
- Never collect plants from the wild
- Only purchase from reputable nurseries that propagate their own stock
- Verify that any plants you buy are ethically sourced
- Consider whether growing this rare species is truly appropriate for your situation
The Reality Check: Can You Actually Grow This?
Let’s be honest—most gardeners shouldn’t attempt to grow Drummond’s bluebells, and here’s why:
Extreme Climate Requirements: This plant is adapted to USDA hardiness zones 1-3, which means it needs genuinely arctic conditions to thrive. If you don’t live in Alaska or similar extremely cold regions, you’re fighting an uphill battle.
Specialized Growing Conditions: Drummond’s bluebells requires conditions that mimic its native arctic habitat, including extended periods of cold, specific soil drainage, and adaptation to very short growing seasons followed by long, harsh winters.
Limited Availability: Due to its rarity and specialized requirements, finding this plant through normal gardening channels is extremely difficult.
For the Brave Few: Growing Tips
If you live in an appropriate climate zone and have access to responsibly sourced plants, here are some considerations:
- Provide excellent drainage—arctic plants often can’t tolerate wet feet
- Ensure the plant experiences proper cold stratification
- Protect from excessive heat, which can be fatal to arctic species
- Be patient—arctic plants often have different growth patterns than temperate species
- Consider growing in containers that can be moved to appropriate microclimates
Better Alternatives for Most Gardens
Unless you’re specifically creating an arctic plant collection or live in zones 1-3, consider these more suitable alternatives that offer similar blue bell-shaped flowers:
- Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) for eastern North America
- Mountain bluebells (Mertensia ciliata) for western mountain regions
- Other regionally appropriate Mertensia species
The Bottom Line
Drummond’s bluebells is undoubtedly a fascinating plant with unique beauty, but it’s not a practical choice for most gardeners. Its rarity status, extreme climate requirements, and specialized growing needs make it suitable only for very specific situations.
If you’re passionate about native plants and have the appropriate growing conditions, approach this species with respect for its conservation status and commitment to responsible sourcing. For everyone else, there are plenty of other beautiful native options that will be much more likely to thrive in your garden while still supporting local ecosystems.
Remember, the best native plant for your garden is one that’s actually native to your region and can thrive in the conditions you can provide!
