What’s in Bloom | Virginia Bluebells

April 6, 2020

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

Virginia bluebells bloom in mid-spring, quickly going from purplish-pink buds to sky blue flowers with a sweet fragrance. There are even some variants with pink or white flowers! The flowers are pollinated by bumblebees and other long-tongued bees, as well as several types of butterflies, skippers, moths, and hummingbirds. The bloom period only lasts about 3 weeks, but in areas with large quantities of these plants, it is a spectacular sight!

Virginia bluebells are considered threatened in parts of their native range, due to habitat destruction and prevention of natural flooding of rivers. So keep an eye out for these beauties!

Do you have any bluebells on your property? If you are on Facebook or Instagram, we’d love to see your photos! Tag @virginiaworkinglandscapes and use the hashtag #nativeplantwatch when you post.