How to Grow Virginia Bluebells Flowers

About Growing Virginia Bluebells in Your Home Flower Garden

Virginia Bluebell Flowers, or Mertensia, is a hardy perennial flower plant. Native to the eastern U.S., it is a woodlands plant. The plant has clusters of blue-green leaves. You will need to have patience with this pretty bloomer. And, the flowers have a pleasant, sweet scent. When planted from seeds, perennials Virginia Bluebell plants take up to three years to reward you with the first blooms. The flower clusters are in a bell or trumpet shape. We recommend growing Virginia Bluebell plants en masse. Also, the smaller varieties look great grown in groups in a rock garden setting.

Virginia Bluebells Flowers Plant Specifications

Flower Colors: Blue is by far the most popular. Also, there are light and dark pink-shaded varieties.

Plant Blooms: late spring through early summer.

Plant height: Eight to thirty-six inches tall.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.6 – 7.5.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 2 – 8

Light Needs: Partial sunlight to light shade.

Toxic Plant?: Yes.

Deer Resistant? Yes, except when other food sources are scarce.0 species.

Plant Type: Perennials.

Number of Species: There are 60 species of Bluebells. The Virginia Bluebell is the most popular.

Native To: Woodlands in North America.

Botanical Name: Mertensia Virginica

Other Names: Climbing Bells, Languid Ladies, Mertensia, Mountain Bluebell, Oysterleaf

Are Virginia Bluebells Flowers Edible?

NO!!!

Mertensia plants are not edible. Consumption causes abdominal pains, nausea, and vomiting.

Keep this plant away from children and pets.

Medicinal Applications for Virginia Bluebells Plants

These plants are used in traditional medicine and in the preparation of home remedies. The plant has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here are some of the medicinal applications:

Use it as a remedy for some venereal diseases.
It is an aid in respiratory problems.
Use it for insect bites.
Herbal tea made from Virgina Bluebell leaves has a calming effect.
Reduce leg swelling.

Important Note: As a toxic plant we strongly recommend you do not make home remedies from this plant without the proper training.

Light Requirements

This plant is a colorful addition to shade gardens. Virginia Bluebells flowers are a plant that thrives in lower light levels. Grow them in a location where they will receive partial sunlight to light, dappled shade.

Perennial Virginia Bluebells Plant Propagation

Virginia Bluebells are grown from seeds. Plant seeds outdoors in flats or a seedbed that can be left undisturbed. The seeds are very slow to germinate, requiring one to two months. Allow the young plants to grow for a year. In the second year, transplant them to their permanent home, where they will grow and thrive for many years. Virginia Bluebells are good re-seeders.

Established clumps can also be propagated by plant division. This is the most popular way of propagating the plants. In late summer to early fall, after the blooming period, dig up the clump, divide it into two to four smaller clumps and replant.

Days to Germination: – one to two months. They are very slow to germinate.

Final Plant Spacing: Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart, depending upon variety. The plants tolerate a little crowding.

How to Grow Virginia Bluebell Flower Plants

Planting location and soil needs:

Virginia Bluebell plants grow well in partial sunlight to light shade. Select a growing location where this perennial can grow undisturbed for years.

The plants like soft, fertile soil. Mix in plenty of compost at the planting site. After planting, apply a general-purpose fertilizer. Then, water the area.

Fertilizer needs:

The plants grow best in rich soil. Adding compost is a great way to feed the plants. For the best results, fertilize them on a regular basis during the growing season. In average soil, apply a general-purpose fertilizer every five to six weeks. You can apply it a little less often in rich soil

Water needs:

Virginia Bluebells flowers like plenty of water. During the growing season, keep the soil evenly moist, not wet. As the blooming period arrives, you can cut back on the water. Then, stop applying water when the plants go dormant in the Fall.

Other steps:

Keep the plants well weeded, especially when they are young.

It is important to mulc00h around the plants, to keep their roots cool, especially when grown in full sun, or hotter regions of the country.

Taller varieties of Mertensia plants may need staking in areas with high wind.

Pruning

Mertensia plants need little or no pruning. Simply remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems, if and when you spot them.

The plants bloom once a season. Consequently, deadheading them will not result in new blooms.

The plants are good reseeders. Established beds grow well through the spread of their rhizomes. Remove spent flowers before seed pods develop and release seed into the soil. If you want to save some seeds to give to a gardening friend, keep a few spent flowers on the plant.

How to Grow Virginia Bluebells Flowers in Containers and Planters

Many home gardeners like to grow Virginia Bluebell flowers in flowerpots and containers on their patio or deck. We recommend growing shorter varieties.

In addition to the how-to grow steps above, here are a few additional steps for growing them in planters:

Mertensia tolerates a little overcrowding. So, you can grow them in containers a little closer than the normal recommended spacing.
Select shady or partially shady location on your patio or deck.
It is important to have a drain hole in the container to allow excess water to drain from the pot.
The plant grows best in evenly moist soil. Keep an eye on the moisture level. Check the plants every few days, especially in extended periods of hot, dry weather.
When watering the plants, thoroughly wet the soil. Excess water will drain through the hole in the bottom of the flowerpot.
Nutrients in a flowerpot are limited. So, use fertilizer spikes to feed the plants. Or, apply a light solution of liquid fertilizer once a month.

Insects and Plant Disease

Virginia Bluebells flowers seldom have problems with insects or disease.

Also see: Plant Problems – Identify the causes and find the cures.

Overwintering Virginia Bluebell Plants

After frost has arrived in the fall, the plants will die down completely. Once they have died off, you can cut them back to the ground, if desired, to keep a neat appearance in your flowerbed.

In colder areas of the country, apply a layer of mulch to protect the roots from freezing during the winter. Then in the spring, rake off the mulch If the mulch if organic, toss it into you composter to completely decompose.

Learn all about compost and the composting process.