Khan "Sadh" N. Mostafa / CC BY 2.0
garden
Virginia bluebells
Mertensia virginica
Native to N. America
Overview
One of the most enchanting spring wildflowers, Virginia bluebells carpet woodland floors with cascading clusters of bell-shaped flowers that open pink and turn vivid sky blue. This native ephemeral completes its entire life cycle in spring, disappearing underground by summer — pair it with ferns and hostas that fill the gap. Entire hillsides of bluebells in bloom is one of nature's most breathtaking spring spectacles.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
MoistureWet
Hardiness Zones4b — 8
Height0.7m
Spread0.6096m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Bloom ColorBlue
Pollinator Valuemoderate
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5.5 — 7
Soil TypeRich, moist, humusy woodland soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; ephemeral — goes completely dormant by midsummer |
| Cold (1-2) | Bloom | Apr — May | Pink buds open to blue bells; one of the first spring wildflowers |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring in moist woodland shade; interplant with ferns to fill gap |
| Cool (3-4) | Bloom | Apr — May | Early spring bloom; foliage disappears completely by June — mark location |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring or fall; buds open pink, mature to blue; woodland garden essential |
| Moderate (5-7) | Bloom | Mar — May | Spring bloom; moist woodland soil; plant near late-emerging perennials |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in fall; needs winter chill; part to full shade |
| Warm (8-9) | Bloom | Feb — Apr | Early spring bloom; dormant by May |
Uses
Other Uses
- Spectacular native spring ephemeral wildflower
- Naturalizing woodland ground cover
- Flowers change from pink to blue as they mature
