Native Plant of the Month: Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

Mertensia virginica, also known by its common names, Virginia bluebells or Virginia cowslip, is a woodland wildflower native to the Eastern United States and southern Canada. This plant is in the borage family (Boraginaceae) and is hardy in zones 3-9. M. virginica is considered a spring ephemeral because it dies back completely and goes dormant in summer. As a woodland plant, M. virginica does best in partial to full shade, humus-rich, moist soils. They do not grow well in drought conditions. Bluebell’s leaves are ovate, gray to green in color, with distinct veins. The pink buds on these plants open to blue, bell-shaped flowers that bloom April-May, and the leaves are ovate with distinct veins and are blue to green in color. While the flowers are most commonly blue, there is a rare, white flowering form known as forma berdii. M. virginica was used by Native Americans to treat tuberculosis and whooping cough. The roots were used as an antidote for poisons.

Virginia bluebells have outstanding ornamental value in a landscape. These plants look best in borders and mass plantings, where they can provide shaded areas with a splash of color in early spring. M. virginica complements other spring ephemerals for one big show early in the season. We recommend planting other shade-loving plants with Virginia Bluebells to fill its vacancy when they die back in summer. Once the stems and leaves turn yellow and droop, they can be cut back to the ground for a tidier aesthetic.

 Virginia bluebells Mertensia virginica blooming in English Cottage Garden in late April.

This plant is a food source for bumblebees, long-tongued bees, several butterflies, moths, and hoverflies. Bluebells bloom for about three weeks; if fertilized, flowers produce fruit with four seeds each. They will readily reseed if conditions are ideal but can be difficult to propagate. M. virginica are accustomed to the four seasons of their temperate region and requires cold stratification before germinating. It is best to sow seeds in the fall to get exposure to winter freeze and thaw cycles before germinating in the spring. When these plants are divided or seedlings are transplanted, their blooming may be delayed for a few years. Transplanting can be challenging due to the established plant’s long taproot.

Mertensia virginica is a beautiful native woodland ephemeral and one of my favorites. It has a place in an ornamental landscape with its exceptional display of spring color. It is a food source for many native pollinators and a plant we should all consider planting in our gardens. Head out to the Gardens this month to witness Virginia bluebells putting on a show. I hope to see you out there!

Kyle Strain

Manager of Public Horticulture