Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) is a spring ephemeral plant with blue flowers in early spring. They prefer moist to average soil in part sun or shade making them well-suited for shaded slopes where they’ll grow about 2 feet tall. They should be interplanted with species that fill in the voids left once dormant in summer. Companion plants include Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata) and Rosy Sedge (Carex rosea).
Maintenance
Leave Bluebells standing until leaves begin to shrivel up in late May. At that time, cut back to the ground. Nearby plants should be designed to fill in the gaps left behind when the plant goes dormant in the summer.
About
Light Requirements
Part Sun,
Shade Moisture Requirements
Slopes Soil Requirements
Clay,
Loam,
Organically Rich Soil Height
Very Short,
Short Spacing
1 foot Category
Seasonal Attracts
Bees,
Butterflies,
Hummingbirds Illinois Native Plant Status
Yes Bloom Time
March,
April Bloom Color
Blue Seasonality
Spring Sociability
Groups of 20-50