Mertensia virginica

Common Names

Virginia Bluebells, Bluebells, Virginia Cowslip, Eastern Bluebells, Oysterleaf, Lungwort, Languid Ladies, Chiming Bells

Summary

Mertensia virginica, commonly called Virginia bluebells, is a native eastern North American herbaceous perennial and spring ephemeral that grows about 1–2 feet tall, forms bluish-green, oval leaves, and bears pendulous pink buds opening to blue, bell- or trumpet-shaped flowers in early spring. It forms loose clumps or colonies and dies back by midsummer. Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade, making it well suited to woodland gardens, borders, or mass plantings; is hardy in USDA zones 3–9; propagates by seed or division and self-seeds to form colonies without being invasive; attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supplying early-season nectar.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, tolerates full sun to partial shade

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained, humus-rich loamy soil, pH about 6.6–7.5

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow growth; typically takes 2–5 years to reach ultimate height, with plants about 1–2 feet tall and spreading slowly.

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, Attracts hummingbirds and birds