Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica

One of the most beautiful of Virginia’s native wildflowers, Virginia bluebells sprout and flower when the spring weather begins to warm up. They beckon us to come outdoors and give us a promise of warmer weather to come before going dormant in mid-summer. Plant Virginia bluebells in partial shade and in moist, cool soil which is high in organic matter. Plant them in a native garden, cottage garden or pollinator garden. They attract bees and other pollinators as well as hummingbirds.

Easily propagate this plant by sowing seeds or dividing mature plants. They are also available for purchase at Southern Branch Nursery located in Chesapeake, VA.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.