Virginia Bluebells Mertensia virginica 75 Seeds

Virginia bluebells, a native American wildflower found in lush woodlands across eastern North America, boasts captivating beauty with its vibrant blue flowers emerging from delicate pink buds. Each cluster often showcases a delightful mix of both hues, adding to its visual allure. This perennial ornamental plant stands erect, forming graceful clumps that reach heights of 1-2 feet. Its loose, drooping clusters of trumpet-shaped blue blooms, up to 1 inch long, adorn the plant in early spring, complemented by smooth, oval bluish-green leaves, growing up to 4 inches long. By mid-summer, the foliage gracefully withers to the ground as the plant enters dormancy.

Thriving in average to medium, well-drained soils, Virginia bluebells prefer partial to full shade and thrive in moist, nutrient-rich environments. Ideal for mass plantings in shady woodlands, wildflower gardens, or native plant landscapes, they can also add accents to borders or rock gardens. However, since they become dormant in summer, they benefit from overplanting with annuals or companion perennials like ferns or hostas, which will fill in the space as the growing season progresses. Virginia bluebells are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.

Growing Instructions

The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.

1. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for 4-6 weeks.
2. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Fill a pot with a mixture of half potting soil and half sand or vermiculite.
3. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the container.
5. Put the pot in a moist, shady area.
6. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
7. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.