Virginia Bluebell
Thrives in Zones 3-9
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
One of Spring's first bloomers
Bloom color ranges from pink to sky-blue
Ships in
7-10 DaysVirginia Bluebell | Mertensia Virginica
The Virginia bluebell is a deciduous, spring ephemeral that offers bell-shaped blooms draping from brilliant green stems surrounded by large leaves. They bloom in the Spring season and their cycle lasts up to 6 weeks. They grow in woodlands and deep forests and are perfect for your garden. It is a great treat to get to see these blooms before they are gone for the season! Don’t chase them at your local arboretum. Grow your own and you will never miss them again.
Plant Details - Virginia Bluebell Plants
Family: Borage (Boraginaceae)
Light Requirement: Shade
Water Needs: Average/Moist
Height: 1 - 2 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: Blue
Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and butterflies
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Virginia Bluebell Plants
With its small, compact size, the Virginia bluebell can fit anywhere in your garden. It is great for the border, rock garden, and mixed with other shade-loving perennials, like Dutchman’s breeches, trillium, or toad lily. This plant enjoys dappled sunlight, so keep it shaded rather than scorching in full sun. Beautiful, sloping flowers are a wonderful native addition to your garden.
A low-maintenance shade perennial favorite! This is an excellent plant for all levels of gardeners, from the eager novice to the more experienced. It will thrive in rich, well-drained soil and, once established, needs very little care. No fertilization is necessary. Get the best bang for your buck -- good news for the frugal gardener! This is a colonizer that will make larger clumps in the garden over time, spreading over an area.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Virginia Bluebell Plants
When the Virginia bluebell's leaves initially emerge, they are a deep purple that fades into a lush green. The growth of gently sloping flowers quickly follows the stems that erupt with pastel blooms.
These flowers begin as a soft pink, change to purple, and finally bloom into a gorgeous, powdery sky blue. Blue is the rarest color in nature – stun your friends when they visit! Some varieties may include white.
As spring ephemerals, they bloom in the springtime and then disappear for the rest of the season. Interplant with Solomon’s seal or ferns to reduce the empty spaces left behind when the leaves die back.
This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery
Bloom Season
Spring
Bloom/Foliage Color
Blue
Height at Maturity
Under 12"
Care
Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica) thrives in well-drained, rich soil. Water regularly to keep the dirt wet, particularly during dry periods. Remove spent blooms to encourage new growth. Separate plants every few years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Plant Reproduction
Virginia bluebells spread through rhizomes and self-seeding.
How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs
Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.
For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.
Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.
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We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE
Why You Will Love This Virginia Bluebell
Stunning Color Transition:
Virginia Bluebells start as pink buds and gracefully turn into soothing sky-blue flowers, offering a captivating display.
Springtime Delight:
Blooming early in spring, these perennials provide a refreshing burst of color after the winter season.
Adaptable and Easy-Care:
Thrives in shade or partial sun with minimal maintenance, perfect for a variety of garden settings.
Naturalizing Beauty:
Ideal for woodland gardens, these plants spread gently, creating a lovely, naturalized look with their graceful blooms.
