Sun Exposure: Part Sun, Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium
Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Clay
Height: 1 - 2.5 feet
Spread: 1 foot, can form colonies in ideal conditions
Blooms: April, May
Root: Taproot, Fibrous
Habitat: Low-lying damp woods, Floodplains, Stream Terraces, Wooded Bluffs.
Landscape uses: Woodland garden. Pollinator garden, Deer Resistant
Complimentary Plants: Wood Poppy, Wild Columbine, Wild Ginger
Wildlife Value: Bumblebees, Mason bees, Anthophorid bees, Butterflies and Moths visit the flowers for nectar and/or collect pollen.
Seed Source: Winona, MN (Prairie Moon seed supplier)
Germination Code: C(60), F
Photo credits: #1 by wackybadger, #2 by wackybadger, #3 by Derek Ramsey, #4 by Cbaile19
Mertensia virginica - Virginia Bluebells
Virginia Bluebells are the most beautiful species of spring ephemerals! A spring ephemeral is an important plant type - the early blooming flowers feed early emerging pollinators. Ephemeral means that the plant will go dormant during summer - almost appearing as if it disappeared! This plant thrives in rich, loamy soil and can form colonies of plants over time if it is planted in the ideal environment. This plant grows quite quickly in the spring and bears small pink flower buds that turn a lovely shade of blue as they open.