Virginia bluebells are native wildflowers that bloom in the spring and become dormant in the summer.
In March, dark purple, spoon-shaped foliage emerges, but it turns light green when mature.
The plant quickly grows andblooms in April.
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The plants form an intense carpet of flowers.
Up close, the buds are pink, opening up to blue or lavender color with a two-tone effect.
The sweetly scented flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds but are not used as cut flowers.
The plants aredeer- and rabbit-resistant.
In May, the leaves die back, and by June the plant is dormant until next year.
Other plants such as ferns, hostas, or annuals need to be planted to fill in the gaps.
Plant in the fall or after the last frost in the spring.
It is ashade planttypically found in the woodlands.
It blends well with other spring-blooming bulbs.
There is no need to fertilize Virginia bluebells.
They self-seed but are not invasive.
However, they develop colonies and are best used in natural designs.
However, one can purchase seed packets.
Soil
Virginia bluebells need moist, well-drained soil that’s high in organic matter.
Water
This plant needs moisture, typical of a spring woodland area.
Provideconsistent wateringto keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first year until the plant is established.
Temperature And Humidity
This wildflower needs humid, cool spring temperatures and woodland environments.
It is hardy in Zones 3-9 and dies back as temperatures and humidity rise.
Types Of Virginia Bluebells
This wildflower is native.
There are no other types.
Pruning
There is no need to prune or deadhead these plants.
Do not dig up wild Virginia bluebells to plant in your garden.
New plants will emerge the following spring, but it will take a few years to have flowers.
Then pot up in flats indoors about six weeks before the average last frost.
After thelast frost, plant seedlings outside once the ground warms in spring.
Sow In Winter
The other option is to winter sow.
The winter weather will provide the stratification.
In the late spring, fire up the jugs and transplant the plants.
To pot, choose a 6-inch container with drainage holes and use a potting mix that retains moisture.
Place the pot in a shaded spot outdoors and keep the soil evenly moist.
Repot to a larger pot when the growth becomes crowded or roots emerge from the drainage holes.
You’ll know they’re around by the silvery trail they leave behind.
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth to stop them.
If the soil is not well drained, the roots may rot.
ensure to plant in well-draining soil.
Leaves can brown due topowdery mildew.
Inspect the leaves for a powdery white coating.
Good air circulation between plants and adequate light can help prevent this.
There isno need to deadhead.
Virginia bluebells grown from seed don’t bloom until the second or third year.
They do not like dry soil or being transplanted.
If transplanting, it may take a year or two for them to re-establish and bloom again.
Avoid dry soil by giving them consistent moisture.
However, one has to understand their life cycle and native conditions.
Do not fear, it should re-emerge in March.
If the leaves' edges are browning, it could be a sign of too much direct sunlight.
Leaves can also turn brown as a symptom of disease.
For example, the soil is not draining well and there is so much moisture, the roots rotted.
Try re-establishing a colony in another well-drained location.
Deer and rabbits avoid the plants.
Virginia bluebells only live a few years, but since they re-seed, these perennials continually produce new plants.
Hostas, ferns, bleeding hearts, daffodils, and violets are good companions.
Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension.Virginia Bluebells,Mertensia virginica.
