Who says you can’t attract butterflies in the spring? With Virginia Bluebells you can! Nodding pink buds open to sky blue flowers in April and May. Due to the depth of the flower tube this is an ideal flower for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees and moths. A native spring ephemeral, the leaves emerge looking like purple mouse ears. As the leaves expand, they turn blue-green and reach 1-2’ tall. Planting just one will never be enough once you are hooked on this plant – plus they looked better when surrounded by friends! Plan ahead for summer dormancy by surrounding with ferns or adding annuals. Part shade, in a moist humus rich soil is best. Zones 5-8. Mertensia virginica – Virginia Bluebells
Photo courtesy of Terren in Virginia
2 Comments
My bluebells came up and bloomed in April, but were barely blue at all, mostly pink! You can see a pic in this post. Any idea what could have caused it? This is a shady garden… http://mynjgarden.com/2011/04/almost-missed-tomato-tuesday/
Lisa – typically VA Bluebells have pink buds and as they open change to blue. It might just have something to do with this weird spring. However I will look into it and see if pH is a factor.