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(Mertensia virginica)
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
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Cbaile19
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Photo by: Cbaile19 | License Type: CC0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en | Uploader: Cbaile19 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Mertensia_virginica,_2021-04-24,_Fox_Chapel,_01.jpg | Notes: Uploaded using [[COM:MOA|Commons Mobile App]] |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Mertensia virginica, commonly known as Virginia Bluebells, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to moist, rich woods and river floodplains of the Eastern and Central USA. It is a spring ephemeral, meaning it completes its life cycle early in the spring before the canopy trees leaf out. Virginia Bluebells typically grow to a height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). The plant features clusters of pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers that are initially pink and mature to a distinct sky-blue color, blooming in mid-spring. The foliage is rounded and gray-green, adding to the plant’s visual appeal.
Virginia Bluebells are valued for their showy flowers and are often used in woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. They are low maintenance, requiring little care once established, and are resistant to most pests and diseases. These plants prefer consistently moist soil and can tolerate wet conditions, making them suitable for areas near water features or in rain gardens. They are also appreciated for their ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the foliage dies back, and the plant goes dormant until the following spring.CC BY-SA 4.0
Virginia Bluebells are valued for their showy flowers and are often used in woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. They are low maintenance, requiring little care once established, and are resistant to most pests and diseases. These plants prefer consistently moist soil and can tolerate wet conditions, making them suitable for areas near water features or in rain gardens. They are also appreciated for their ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the foliage dies back, and the plant goes dormant until the following spring.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
native to moist, rich woods and river floodplains of the Eastern and Central USA
Other Names
Common Names: Virginia Cowslip, Virginia Lungwort, Eastern Bluebells, Tree Lungwort, Roanoke Bells, Lungwort Oysterleaf, Mertensia De Virginie, Mertensie De Virginie, Pärlemorfjärva
Scientific Names: , Mertensia virginica, Mertensia pulmonarioides, Pulmonaria virginica, Mertensia virginica f. alba, Mertensia virginica f. berdi, Cerinthodes virginicum, Lithospermum pulchrum, Casselia virginica, Hippoglossum virginicum
GBIF Accepted Name: Mertensia virginica (L.) Pers. ex Link