What is it? Virginia Bluebells, also known as Mertensia virginica, is a perennial spring ephemeral plant.
Native to where? It is native to moist woods, floodplains, and along streams or riversides in eastern North America.
Hardiness Zone: Plants are hardy from USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.
What does it look like? The plant grows from 1 to 2 feet tall, with loose clusters of flowers.
Bloom Time: Pink and blue bell-shaped blooms appear from April through May, after which the plant goes dormant and disappears underground. The flowers start off pink and gradually turn light blue as they mature.
Growth Habit: Bluebells can naturalize and spread slowly by self-seeding. If planted in mid- to late spring, they may go immediately dormant.
Growing Conditions: It thrives in full to partial sun or shade, preferring morning sun and afternoon shade, in rich, loamy soil that retains moisture. Plants should be spaced 1 foot apart.
Environmental Benefits: Bluebell flowers attract pollinating insects and hummingbirds. The plants are tolerant of juglone from Black Walnut trees.
Sources:
https://www.prairiemoon.com/mertensia-virginica-virginia-bluebells
https://www.prairienursery.com/virginia-bluebells-mertensia-virginica.html?srsltid=AfmBOopGUaEdxy8a_kGBm3ICJEgf5wT5BvjZbOsjmhukJZf5Pjr1RsvI
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mertensia_virginica
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/virginia-bluebells-mertensia-virginica/
Image Source:
By Geoffrey A. Landis - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89699170
Virginia Bluebells
Plant Pickup Day is Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 531 11th St., corner of 11th Street and Elizabeth Street in Baraboo, from 9 am to 2 pm.
Last year, some of the plant varieties purchased in the online sale were backordered from the nursery due to weather-related setbacks in their greenhouses. We received those varieties about a month later and we then distributed them to those who were waiting.While we hope this will not be an issue again this year, there is that possibility. As all of us who garden know, there is no guarantee that plants or weather will cooperate with our plans. If we run into this issue again, our plan is to make sure you get your plants as soon as they are ready from our supplier. Thanks in advance for your understanding!