Virginia Bluebells (Bluebells, Cowslip)
Mertensia pulmonarioides (formerly Mertensia virginica). BORAGINACEAE.
Planting and Growing Virginia Bluebells
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow Virginia bluebells in the accompanying table’s tabs:
-
- Flowers, foliage, and root structure of Virginia bluebells
- Plant hardiness and growing conditions for Virginia bluebells
- Season of bloom and planting time for Virginia bluebells
- When, how deep, and where to plant Virginia bluebells
- How to plant Virginia bluebells
- Watering, fertilizing, care, and pests or diseases of Virginia bluebells
- Landscape and container uses of Virginia bluebells
- Comments about Virginia bluebells and its features
Growing Virginia Bluebells
Several cultivars of erect, upright, tuberous or rhizomatous, deciduous perennial herbs, 1–3 ft. (30–90 cm) tall, 1 ft. (30 cm) wide. Alternate, smooth, blue green, oval or lance-shaped, pointed leaves, 3–7 in. (75–180 mm) long, forming a circular, radiating base from a central stem. Semi-dormant after bloom.
Mountain bluebell, Mertensia ciliata, is a compact, closely related species with similar care needs.
Planting and Care Guide
Blooms
Many pink becoming blue, drooping or nodding, bell- or trumpet-shaped, deep-throated flowers, to 1 in. (25 mm) long, in nodding clusters, in early spring.
Best Climates
Hardy. Zones 3–10.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained humus. Fertility: Rich. 6.5–7.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Autumn in full sun to partial shade, 1 ft. (30 cm) apart, or spring, after frost hazard has passed and soil is workable.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep moist during growth; reduce watering when dormant. Propagate by division, seed.
About This Plant
Good choice for accents, borders in cottage, natural, shade, woodland gardens. Attracts bees. Pest resistant. Fungal disease susceptible.