Mertensia virginica

Sizes available: Landscape plug

Basics: zones 3-9, 1.5-2' x 1-1.5', part to full shade, dangling bells of light blue with a pale purple tinge on a curved stem. The buds start pink and change to blue. Blooms in mid to late spring and then goes dormant, prefers moist to mesic (medium), nutritious woodland soils

Common names: Virginia Bluebells, Virginia Cowslip, Lungwort Oyster Leaf, Roanoke Bells

Family: Boraginaceae

Origin/Distribution: north-central and eastern North America, introduced in New England, but not native there

Habitat: deciduous woodland, rich and moist woods, low wooded hillsides, also floodplains and various disturbed habitats

More: A potential early season nectar source as well as an early season joy for the gardener. Rabbit and juglone tolerant, has been used medicinally, and is apparently edible, including the flower. Long-lived, gradual colonizer that is summer dormant, so plant amongst shady characters that wake up later or in a part of the woods you don't mind have a springtime party and then a good long rest.

Image credits: Frank Meuschke of Shelterwood Gardens; also Wikimedia Commons