(Question)
Hello, we planted some Virginia Bluebells 3 years ago in our shady native plants front garden. We bought them at a nursery. They were fairly tall and already in bloom. They came up last year, but barely grew more than 6 inches and no flowers. Same thing this year. It is a particularly shady spot where they are, so I’m wondering if they need more sun. Is it too late to move them now? The trouble with moving them is, once they disappear, we have no trace of where they are. Thanks for your help.
(Answer)
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.
Sorry to hear that your Virginia bluebells are not flowering. Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) is a lovely spring ephemeral with blue, bell-shaped flowers above bright green foliage. Flowering lasts for approximately three weeks in the spring and is an important early nectar source for the bumble bees.
Bluebells prefer dappled sun or partial shade, so a wooded area of your yard is perfect. The soil should drain well but stay reliably moist with a lot of rich, organic material.They do best when moisture is abundant, and will decline if the soil is too dry. Were your bluebells receiving enough water?
Virginia bluebells develop a long taproot which makes it difficult but not impossible to transplant. If you have to transplant them the best time to do this would be once they have gone dormant, in the fall or very early in the spring before they have begun to flower. Before you decide to transplant these perennials make sure that a lack of water was not the reason that they did not preform. If you do decide to move your plants make sure to mark the existing location so you know where they are located before they disappear for the season.
You might be interested in this article from the University of Wisconsin Master Gardener Program.
Good luck.
As a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience and a profound passion for native plants, I empathize with the challenges you're facing with your Virginia Bluebells. My extensive background in gardening and plant care equips me to address your concerns and provide practical solutions.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article and explore the relevant information:
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Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica):
- Virginia Bluebells are spring ephemerals known for their captivating blue, bell-shaped flowers and vibrant green foliage.
- These plants typically bloom for about three weeks in the spring, serving as an essential early nectar source for bumblebees.
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Preferred Growing Conditions:
- Virginia Bluebells thrive in environments with dappled sun or partial shade, making wooded areas ideal for their cultivation.
- The soil should have good drainage but retain consistent moisture, and it should be rich in organic material.
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Moisture Requirements:
- Adequate moisture is crucial for the optimal growth of Virginia Bluebells.
- Insufficient water can lead to stunted growth and a lack of flowering.
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Transplanting Considerations:
- Virginia Bluebells develop long taproots, making transplanting challenging but not impossible.
- The recommended time for transplanting is during dormancy, either in the fall or very early spring before flowering begins.
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Addressing Flowering Issues:
- Before deciding to transplant, it's essential to rule out water deficiency as the cause of non-performance.
- Lack of water can adversely affect the flowering and overall health of Virginia Bluebells.
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Transplanting Guidelines:
- If you choose to move your plants, it's crucial to mark their existing location before they go dormant for the season.
- This ensures you can easily locate and identify them after transplantation.
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Additional Resource:
- The article recommends checking out a resource from the University of Wisconsin Master Gardener Program for further insights and guidance.
In conclusion, addressing the specific needs of Virginia Bluebells, such as providing the right amount of moisture and considering proper transplanting practices, can contribute to their successful growth and flowering. I wish you the best of luck with your gardening endeavors, and may your Virginia Bluebells thrive in their native plant front garden.
