Bluebells
Patch of Bluebells (after peak bloom)
Close up of Flowers
Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebells, Virginia Cowslip, Lungwort Oysterleaf, Roanoke Bells)
Type: Perennial, ephemeral plant (Zones 3-9). Flowers in spring and then disappears by summer.
Light Requirements: Part Sun to Shade
Moisture/Soil: Average moisture. Neutral to slightly acidic soil.
Blooms: Mid spring. Lasts for a couple of weeks.
Leaves: Blueish-green oval shaped
Size: Height: 18″‘ Width: 6-12″
Additional Info:These are native to the eastern part of the US. I have tried to plant them in several clumps. I have move the poor things a couple of times now, so I haven’t had much self seeding yet (hopefully this year). I still need to find a plant to fill in for later in the summer and fall to take their place after they die back (maybe ferns although mine are placed in a part sun location). They would look beautiful with Bleeding Hearts (similar bloom time and habit of dying back). I planted mine from bare roots that I bought on ebay. They didn’t come up the first year so I thought they died, but sure enough the next spring the popped up!
Pros: Beautiful native plant.
Cons: It dies back quite quickly and you may forget where it is planted. Fortunately they always seem to return. They sometimes need staking.
Origin: Eastern U.S.
Varieties: I don’t know of any.
