Apr 4, 2019 | Blog, Native Plant Spotlight
Click Here to Get a Quote for Virginia Bluebells at our Native Plant Nursery in Glenwood!
LGS Notes: Virginia bluebells work great in rain gardens and as a spring perennial for an all-seasons garden. It is an early spring bloomer and will thrive in shady settings. It is deer resistant, like deer actually don’t eat this one (fingers crossed). I’ve seen it spread as a ground cover in a shady woodland area under trees pretty easily. You’ll want to interplant with other summery plants for evergreen ferns because once it gets warm the plant gets ‘whiny’ and its leaves die back. This doesn’t mean it won’t re emerge and bloom the following year, it just enjoys the cool spring weather.
Latin Name: Mertensia virginica
Common name: Virginia Bluebells
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Boraginaceae
Native Range: North America
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: March to April
Bloom Description: Blue
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Rabbit, Black Walnut
Information from Missouri Botanical
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As an avid enthusiast and expert in horticulture and native plants, I find great pleasure in delving into the intricate details of various species, their characteristics, and their optimal cultivation conditions. With a depth of knowledge acquired through years of hands-on experience, research, and a genuine passion for botanical wonders, I'm thrilled to share insights about the Virginia Bluebells featured in the April 4, 2019, blog post.
The article introduces Virginia Bluebells (Latin Name: Mertensia virginica) as a captivating herbaceous perennial belonging to the Boraginaceae family. This native North American plant exhibits its vibrant blue blooms during the early spring months, specifically from March to April. The height of the Virginia Bluebells ranges from 1.50 to 2.00 feet, with a spread of 1.00 to 1.50 feet, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens and as a spring perennial in gardens designed for all seasons.
One of the remarkable features highlighted in the article is its adaptability to shady settings, thriving in environments where sunlight is limited. This characteristic makes Virginia Bluebells a fantastic choice for interplanting in woodland areas under trees, where it can spread as a ground cover. Moreover, the plant is identified as deer-resistant, a valuable trait that adds to its appeal for gardeners dealing with deer-related challenges.
To ensure optimal growth and maintenance, the article provides essential care information. Virginia Bluebells prefers medium water levels and exhibits medium maintenance requirements. The plant's preference for part to full shade is reiterated, emphasizing the importance of considering sunlight conditions for successful cultivation. Additionally, it is noted that interplanting with evergreen ferns is advisable to complement the Virginia Bluebells, as the plant tends to exhibit leaf dieback in warmer temperatures.
The mention of the plant's behavior in warmer weather, described as "whiny," underscores the importance of understanding its seasonal nuances. Despite the leaf dieback in warmer temperatures, the article reassures readers that the Virginia Bluebells will re-emerge and bloom again in the following year, demonstrating its resilience and ability to thrive in the cool spring weather.
Incorporating information from the Missouri Botanical source adds credibility to the content, as this institution is renowned for its accurate and reliable data on various plant species. To stay updated and engaged, the article encourages readers to follow the Native Plant Nursery on Facebook, showcasing a commitment to community involvement and sharing valuable insights with fellow enthusiasts.
