One of the first woodland flowers to emerge in spring, Bellwort is a long-lived perennial of the lily family. Distinctive, drooping yellow flowers and leaves are produced on attractive vase-shaped clumps, 12 - 20 inches tall. Unlike so many spring …
One of the first woodland flowers to emerge in spring, Bellwort is a long-lived perennial of the lily family. Distinctive, drooping yellow flowers and leaves are produced on attractive vase-shaped clumps, 12 - 20 inches tall. Unlike so many spring wildflowers which go dormant after blooming, Bellwort plants are interesting throughout the summer, as they become more erect after flowering and start to look more like Solomon’s Seal. After setting seed, the stems lengthen and create a visual effect resembling needles, threading through the leaves. Light to moderate shade in medium-moist fertile soil is ideal, though established plants are quite tolerant of dry spells and seldom require supplemental watering. Spreading slowly to form colonies, the mature clumps can be divided in the fall. A variety of native bee species feed on the nectar and collect pollen from the Bellwort flowers. The released seeds have attached food-bodies called elaiosomes, a substance that is attractive to ants which then collect and redistribute the seeds.
Leave the leaves. This woodland species appreciates a generous covering of leaves in the fall -- it is not necessary to shred the leaves. We recommend planting ephemerals – which we offer in bare root format – in early fall while the soil is still warm, or in early spring. Spring installations will have some time to develop before summer dormancy, but most likely they will not produce flowers the first year. An early fall planting allows the roots time to establish properly before winter, and gives the plants a stronger start the following spring.
Native plants can be grown outside of their native range in the appropriate growing conditions. This map shows the native range, as well as the introduced range, of this species.
Plant Shipping Rates: for plant orders up to $50 the shipping amount is $9.95. For plant orders from $50.01 and over, the shipping rate is 20% of the total plant cost.
Fall plant-shipping begins on September 9, 2024. The last day to order your plants for fall shipment is September 29.
During checkout, you will be asked to choose a Shipping Week for your plant delivery, from the dates that are available. The week that you choose will be included in your order confirmation email. When your plants ship you will receive an email that includes your tracking information.
I have never tried bareroot plants before. Do you provide instructions for success with bare root planting? Also, is fall a good time for bare root planting?
Yes, we do send instructions for bare root planting with every plant shipment. The planting brochure that we send can also be found here on our website: prairienursery.com/resources-guides/how-to-transplant-bare-root-plants/
Fall is a great time for installing bare root plants. Early spring is also fine. We recommend planting ephemerals – which we offer in bare root format – in early fall while the soil is still warm, or in early spring. Spring installations will have some time to develop before summer dormancy, but they might not have time to produce flowers the first year. An early fall planting allows the roots time to establish properly before winter, and gives the plants a stronger start the following spring.
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