DESCRIPTION
Mertensia virginica, also known as "Virginia Bluebells" or "Virginia Cowslip", is a beloved eastern US native wildflower. Its pink buds open to nodding clusters of fragrant, 1-inch pastel blue blooms.
A true ephemeral, Mertensia virginica blooms in early spring, while much of the garden has yet to wake up. It then goes dormant until the next spring. It pairs well with later-to-emerge perennials like ferns and hostas, and is gorgeous in mass plantings.
Mentensia virginia Virginia Bluebells fills a very important role as an early food source for native pollinators. Female bumblebees are especially attracted to it as they emerge in early spring.
Mertensia virginica Virginia Bluebells prefers humus-rich, moist, cool soil in partial to full shade. Plants will self-sow where they are happy and form colonies if allowed.
PRESALE
FALL 2023 SHIPPING SCHEDULE: 3/1/2024
One of the prettiest flowers in the garden is the Virginia Bluebells. Officially classified as Mertensia virginica, they are also called the Virginia cowslip. It is a perennial native to North America. You will find fields of Virginia bluebells here and there because they are a great plant for naturalizing and can grow in just about any garden. The flowers actually start out pink when in bud, but when blooming, quickly turn into a darker, richer, blue-purple hue. When planted against dense, deep greens of foundation plantings, it is a sight that is delicate and rare.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Adds color and texture to the shade garden
- Great for container, woodland garden beds and borders
- Perfect companion to ferns
- Showy blooms
- Easy to grow
EXPOSURE:
Partial Shade to Full Shade
BLOOMS:
Spring
HEIGHT:
Grows 12-24" tall
SPACING/DEPTH:
Plant 12-24" apart, 1-2" deep
USDA ZONES:
Grow as Perennial in zones 4-9. Grow as Annual elsewhere.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
Plant Virginia Bluebells outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed in a partially shaded to full shade location. The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches. Plant roots 1-2" deep and 12-24" apart. Cover with soil. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out. Fertilize during growing period.
CARE TIP
They like well-draining, peaty soil to prevent them from getting too much water. Once the plant is established, do not disturb or you may lose a season of flowers. Avoid pruning and trimming.
