Pink flower buds open to sky blue in March and April, an early nectar source for bees and butterflies. Foliage is blue-green. This plant is a spring ephemeral, meaning the foliage goes dormant in summer. Great for naturalizing in a rich, moist woodland environment.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Virginia Bluebells
Mertensia virginica
Plant Type: Spring Ephemeral
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr)
Main Color: Blue, Pink / Rose, Purple, White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Sun Exposure
Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
12 to
24
inches
Spread:
12 to
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
24
inches
Spread: 12 to
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
24
inches
Spread: 12 to
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Great for naturalizing in masses in rich, moist soil underneath trees.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows easily in moist, rich, well-drained soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.