Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
[mer-TEN-see-ah ver-JIN-ih-kah]
|
Deciduous Perennial Clumping in the Boraginaceae Family
|
|
Buy Virginia Bluebells |
Size |
Notes |
Price |
Availability |
|
Virginia Bluebells enchant with their delicate, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in vibrant shades of blue, creating a stunning carpet of color in spring. These perennial wildflowers thrive in woodland areas adding charm to natural landscapes. |
Mertensia virginica, commonly called Virginia bluebells, is a charming, native woodland perennial that can bring a stunning burst of spring color to shaded garden areas. In early spring, the plant produces clusters of nodding, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, lavender, and pink that rise above the large, soft green leaves. As the flowers fade, the foliage goes dormant by midsummer, making Virginia bluebells an excellent companion plant for summer-flowering perennials and annuals. This wildflower prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil and partial to full shade, thriving under the dappled light of deciduous trees. Virginia bluebells spread slowly by rhizomes, forming gentle colonies that can be divided and transplanted. Their delicate, yet bold blooms make them a beloved addition to woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and partially shaded perennial beds and borders.
|
Pros
- One of Illinois' most attractive native shade-loving plants
- Award of Garden Merit
|
Cons
- As a spring ephemeral, they die back by summer, their rhizomes lurking beneath the ground until next spring
- Like most ephemerals, they are hard to buy after May... and at that point you may get what looks like an empty pot
- Virginia Bluebells do not perform well as cut flowers — enjoy them outside!
|
|
Plant Data |
Mature Size |
18 - 24 inches
tall. 18 - 24 inches
wide.
|
Sun Exposure |
Full Shade - Full Shade |
Moisture Tolerance |
Medium - |
Zones |
3a - 9b
(Usually hardy to -40° F)
|
Tags |
Attracts Bees, Attracts Beneficial Insects, Attracts Pollinators, Deciduous, Filler, Full Shade, Good for Beginners, Good for Mass Planting, Groundcover, Illinois Native, Low Maintenance, Medium, Most Popular, Native to North America, Naturalizing, Perennial, Plant of Merit, Pond, Shade Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Spring Ephemeral, Wet Site Tolerant, Woodland Garden
|
Bloom Period |
April - May
|
Flower Color |
Blues & pink
|
Animals That Use It |
Nectar:
|
|
Most Popular Plants |
|
|
More Info from Experts |
|
Commonly Planted with...
Jacob's Ladder, Foamflower, Wild Ginger, Solomon's Seal, Trillium, Bloodroot, Mayapple, Eastern Skunk Cabbage, Sweet Woodruff, Ostrich or Christmas Fern. Looks good with Daffodils.
|
Photos of This with...
NAMID Early Yellow Bidens,
Marsh Marigold,
Pennsylvania Sedge,
Eastern Redbud,
Fritillary,
Wild Geranium,
Little Suzie Witch Hazel,
Ostrich Fern,
Poeticus Daffodil,
Lemon Drops Triandrus Daffodil,
Foxglove Beard Tongue,
Emerald Blue Phlox,
Great Solomon's Seal,
White Hardy Primrose,
Wood Lily,
Purissima Tulip,
Viburnum - American Cranberrybush,
|
|