An informative guide on Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica), covering general characteristics, optimal site conditions, and their role in attracting pollinators to your garden.
Virginia bluebells are ephemeral perennials, meaning they come up in early spring and have a short growing season. Plants have smooth, oval leaves with prominent veins. The foliage is deep purple when it emerges, then quickly turns green. The 2- to 8-inch-long leaves are longest at the base of the plant. The loose clusters of bell-shaped flowers dangle from arched stems. Flowers have a pinkish color before turning blue. Each flower has five petals fused into a tube. Foliage dies back to the ground in early to mid-summer as the plant goes dormant. This can create empty spaces in your garden, so pair them with other plants that will fill the space in late summer and fall. Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Height: 12 to 18 inches Bloom color: Pink, blue, purple Bloom time: April to May Hardiness zone: 3 to 9 Salt tolerance: Not tolerant Spreading habit: Rhizomes and self-seeds
Site Conditions
Sun: Sun/partial shade Soil: Neutral (pH 6.8 to 7.2), rich, moist, sometimes rocky soils Hydrologic zone: Moist, inundation tolerant
Newly emerged Virginia Bluebell plant; photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State ExtensionVirginia Bluebell leaves; photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State ExtensionVirginia Bluebell new blossom; photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State ExtensionVirginia Bluebells in bloom; photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State ExtensionField of Virginia Bluebell plants; photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State ExtensionVirginia Bluebell plant after blooming; photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State ExtensionVirginia Bluebell leaves in the fall; photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension
