Mertensia virginica
Mertensia virginica
Virginian Bluebells

Mertensia virginica is a beautiful, native woodland plant that, in its natural habitat, grows in moist, rich woodland soil. The flowers are pendulous, trumpet shaped bells of rich blue. The flower buds are pink, and the flowers have a pinkish cast when they first open. Mertensia will self seed if happy and make a beautiful colony. It is a spring ephemeral going dormant quickly after flowering. It is a choice plant for a native or woodland garden and can be used to underplant hosta gardens.

  • Height: 46 - 61 cm (18 - 24 in)
  • Spread: 30 - 46 cm (12 - 18 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 3
  • Sun or Shade: filtered shade to sun
  • Bloom Time: early spring
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: blue
  • Critter Resistance: rabbits

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Virginian Bluebells is best treated like spring flowering bulbs. Plant where it can colonize and will not be disturbed for many years. It likes rich moist soil in the spring and prefers part shade. Several of our plants have seeded into the sunny garden where they are also thriving although the flowers don't last as long.

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