Uvularia grandiflora

Common Names

Bellwort, Merry Bells, Large-Flowered Bellwort

Summary

Large-flowered bellwort is a rhizomatous perennial in the Colchicaceae family native to eastern North America. It forms arching stems 1–2 ft tall with perfoliate, bright green leaves and pendant yellow bell-shaped flowers with slightly twisted tepals. The plant spreads by rhizomes to form colonies and blooms in spring for about two weeks, with flowers hanging from the stems.

Prefers cool, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade, commonly under deciduous trees or along wood margins. It can be propagated by division in early spring or fall, and mass plantings help establish it in woodland settings. Deer browse can damage foliage, seeds are dispersed by ants, and pollinators include bees; is well suited for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas, with low maintenance.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-2 feet

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter

Soil Drainage

Well-draining loamy soil; evenly moist, not waterlogged.

Soil pH

5.5-7, Calcareous to neutral soils

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring to early Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Insignificant

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Medium rate.

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Division (via rhizomatous offsets; preferred), Seeds (from seed capsules)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees