Virginia Bluebells
The distinctive blue-pink flowers of Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) appear soon after the snow melts. Native to the eastern U.S., this beautiful woodland ephemeral is a most welcome harbinger of spring. In the garden Bluebells prefer a rich well-drained soil. Natural leaf mulch will enrich the soil and create the right environment …
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Medium, Moist |
| Sun Exposure | Partial, Shade |
| Height | 1' - 2' |
| Bloom Color | Pink, Blue |
| Bloom Time | Apr, May |
| Spacing | 1' |
| Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Root Type | Rhizome |
| Benefits | Pollinators, Hummingbirds |
The distinctive blue-pink flowers of Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) appear soon after the snow melts. Native to the eastern U.S., this woodland ephemeral is one of the earliest blooms of spring. Virginia Bluebells grow naturally in moist woods, floodplains, and along streams or riversides. They thrive in full to partial shade, in rich, loamy soil that retains moisture. In the garden apply a natural leaf mulch to enrich the soil and create the right environment for this choice species.
Spring ephemerals are plants that emerge and bloom early, and then go dormant – retreating underground as the weather warms up. Virginia Bluebells go dormant by mid-summer and return every spring. The long-lived plants expand slowly and a mature individual plant can be 18 -24" wide. Bluebells can naturalize and spread slowly by self-seeding, at an easy-to-manage pace. Eventually, plants can form a large colony creating a vibrant carpet of blue in the spring shade garden.
Bare root Virginia Bluebells is best planted in the fall, or very early in the spring. Choose a location with dappled sunlight or a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Plants prefer a consistently moist, cool environment. This is best acheived with leave mulch. A layer of leaf mulch around the plants will help to retain moisture and keep the cooler soil temperatures that the plants prefers. Avoid over watering/waterlogging, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Early season pollinators appreciate the blooms, with bumblebees and mason bees providing cross-pollination during their visits. Other nectar seeking visitors include the Giant Bee Fly, butterflies, skippers, and Sphinx moths.
When planted in mid to late spring, Bluebells may go straight into dormancy without exhibiting any growth, in which case you can expect them to emerge the following spring. Bluebells are best planted along with other perennials, such as ferns, which will expand and cover the planting area as the season progresses.
Explore our Learning Center: How to Transplant Bare Root Plants
