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Mertensia virginica

Virginia bluebells

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A pretty addition to the woodland edge (or front of border position), this perennial is at its best in a sunny spot that receives softly dappled shade during the hottest part of the day.

Plant Mertensia virginica in clumps or drifts and enjoy the show of the lovely violet-blue bell-shaped flowers opening from pink buds, from mid- to late spring. After flowering this plant dies back and will be dormant throughout the summer.

How to care for Mertensia virginica:

Virginia bluebells thrive in moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade, making them ideal for woodland-style planting or beneath deciduous trees where it enjoys spring light and summer cover.

Plant with plenty of organic matter to help retain moisture, and keep well watered while establishing, especially in drier spells. It naturally dies back after flowering in late spring, so mark its position to avoid disturbance, and avoid overly dry or exposed sites which can reduce performance.

Once established, it needs only modest maintenance and will gently spread to form a soft, naturalised drift over time.

Sowing instructions:

These seeds need a period of cold to germinate. Sow fresh seed outdoors in autumn in trays or pots filled with moist, free-draining compost, leaving them exposed to winter conditions for natural stratification.

If sowing in spring, place the sown pots in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before moving them to a cool, bright spot. Keep compost consistently moist but not waterlogged, and be patient as germination can be slow and irregular, sometimes taking a few months.
Eventual height:
0.45m
Eventual spread:
0.25m

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