Virginia Bluebells - Mertensia Virginica
The Virginia Bluebell is a favorite for Wildflower nurseries here in Tennessee. This flower blooms in early Spring. It has beautiful blueish-purple blooms. Depending on the soil type they can sometimes bloom pink. This flower is a shade lover but can tolerate small amounts of sun. Very easy to grow. The underground rhizomes also self-pollinate over a period making them perfect for flowerbeds. The Bluebell is very popular for developing in fields as their beauty is enjoyed by families and photographers alike. This perennial ships bare root.
It is a native North American wildflower that can be found growing in wet, precious woods, reaching heights of 18-24 inches tall. It is best to plant these perennials in Fall or late Winter before they begin to bloom for the Early-Spring season. Transplanting while in full bloom is not recommended. There is no need to cut back or prune these flowers. Once planted and established this flower does all the work itself.
Homeowners have been using this plant for years. It does best when after being planted, for the gardener to leave undisturbed. It will colonize itself and will also go dormant for Winter (die-back) and return the following early Spring. Planting Daffodils in adjacent areas is a great idea, the contrast of colors looks fantastic. Photographers have highly sought after these two specific flowers for photographs for years. We do not think this technique will end anytime soon either!
Here at Native Wildflowers Nursery, this is personally our most favorite wildflower. For four generations it has been well sought after for personal gardens. We love this flower so far it is planted all across our wood line. No matter how many times we have moved from home to home over the years, we always dig up our Bluebells and take them with us. Something this wonderful cannot be left behind.
Virginia Bluebells are the staple of early Spring gardens.
