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Virginia Bluebells

Mertensia Virginica

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Overview

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) thrive in USDA zones 3-8, preferring moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. This perennial showcases clusters of nodding bell-shaped flowers in a striking soft blue, emerging from pink buds. Mature height reaches 18 to 24 inches with a similar spread. Foliage is a lush gray-green. Blooms profusely in early spring before entering summer dormancy. Ideal for naturalistic and woodland gardens.

Sun FullWater Very LowZones 3–8Type AnnualClimate Temperate

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) thrive in USDA zones 3-8; mature height reaches 18 to 24 inches, image 131

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Very Low
USDA zones: 3–8

Shape & size

Classification

Type: Annual
Family: Boraginaceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (192)

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH; foliage is a lush gray-green, image 172

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — usually from March to April.<br><br>A shade-tolerant species; despite its delicate appearance, image 118

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Mature height reaches 18 to 24 inches with a similar spread; annual with blue blooms, image 108

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — mounded appearance when in bloom; the plant will go dormant, image 63

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Virginia Bluebells are relatively low-maintenance; wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate its allure to, image 96

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — display an initial pink hue that matures into a serene sky blue; this perennial showcases clusters of nodding

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — providing a brilliant show in the spring months

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — receding back into the ground and leaving space for other plants to take center stage in the summer, image 101

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — receding back into the ground and leaving space for other plants to take center stage in the summer, image 153

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Blooms profusely in early spring before entering summer dormancy

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate its allure to pollinators such as bees and butterflies

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — receding back into the ground and leaving space for other plants to take center stage in the summer, image 49

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Virginia Bluebells are deer-resistant

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Virginia Bluebells are deer-resistant; ideal for naturalistic and woodland gardens, image 98

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Mertensia virginica prospers in areas with dappled sunlight to full shade and prefers consistently moist

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate its allure to pollinators such as bees and butterflies; annual for full

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Despite its delicate appearance; display an initial pink hue that matures into a serene sky blue

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — making them a practical and picturesque choice for areas where browsing animals are a concern; usually, image 151

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Ideal for naturalistic and woodland gardens; virginia Bluebells are deer-resistant, image 85

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — blue flowers in the garden; presents a captivating spectacle in any garden with its pendulous, image 102

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Blooms profusely in early spring before entering summer dormancy; providing a brilliant show in the, image 84

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — display an initial pink hue that matures into a serene sky blue; this perennial showcases clusters of, image 64

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia Virginica) — Despite its delicate appearance; display an initial pink hue that matures into a serene sky blue, image 121

Photographs by 9 contributors

Jarek Tuszyński, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
wackybadger, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Jay Sturner from USA, CC BY 2.0 · source
Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0 · source
Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C.,…, CC BY 2.0 · source
David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Doug McGrady from Warwick, RI, USA, CC BY 2.0 · source
Rolf Engstrand, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

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