Choosing the Right Kind of Perennials

Bellflower - Merry Bells

Bellflower plant has blossoms that resemble small, graceful bells, which give them their endearing nickname, "merry bells." These bell-shaped flowers gracefully dangle from slender stems, swaying gently in the breeze, adding a touch of elegance to the landscape. Bellflower - Merry Bells Bellflower (Uvularia grandiflora), also known as merrybells and large-flowered bellwort, is a yellow woodland flower that is native to eastern North America. As one of the first wildflowers to come forth in spring, this long-lived perennial usually blooms in April and May. Natural Habitat Of Bellflower - Merry Bells They are often found in deciduous woodlands and forests in western New England, as well as in the South and Midwest. They generally grow on wooded slopes and riverbanks, under trees, and near shady seeps. When seen in the wild, they signal that most of the surrounding ground flora is original and intact. Bellflower - Merry Bells Appearance The hanging flowers and leaves are heavy enough to give the plant a languid look. Plants grow 10"–18" tall with arching, sword-shaped leaves and single or branched stems. As the plant matures, the single stems divide into two to three flowering side stems that produce one gently scented, bell-shaped flower each. The flowers are about 1 ½ inches long, with six twisted, flared, overlapping tepals per bloom. After about two weeks, a three-cornered seed capsule takes the place of the wilted blooms, and the plant will begin to stand up straighter as bluish-green perfoliate leaves emerge. Bellflower - Merry Bells in Gardens It is a shade-loving plant that is well-suited to manicured borders and flower beds, woodland gardens, and naturalistic landscapes. Gardeners often pair it with hostas, ferns, and other wildflowers. It can also be grown among the foliage of ground covers like vinca and phlox. The plants rise from short, fleshy, fibrous rhizomes. They sometimes form colonies but rarely need to be divided. You can propagate them by planting their moist seeds or seedlings or by separating and moving clumps in the fall. Ecology Of Bellflower - Merry Bells They offer nectar to bumblebees, halictid bees, mason bees, and other bees that collect pollen as they move from flower to flower. Deer also loves eating these plants. Ants also gain nourishment from the seeds, which they redistribute in the surrounding habitat by carrying them away from the plant. Bellflowers Make a Beautiful Addition to Your Landscape If you want to bring more bees to your garden and give it a soft, natural, and romantic look, consider planting a few under your trees so you can enjoy delightful greenery that lasts all summer.