Here are some facts about Virginia Bluebells, Mertensia virginica:
Appearance:
--Bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, most commonly a light sky blue but can also be a deeper sapphire.
--Flowers start as pink buds before maturing to blue. Rare varieties stay pink.
--Grows 1 to 2 feet tall with smooth, oval, blue-green leaves.
--Bloom time:
Early spring (April and May)
--Lifespan:
Perennial that goes dormant in mid-summer
--Preferred habitat:
Moist, well-drained, rich soil in part shade to full shade
--Native range:
Eastern North America
Interesting facts:
--Virginia bluebells are an ephemeral, meaning their blooms are short-lived and the foliage dies back in summer.
--They are a member of the Boraginaceae family, related to forget-me-nots, lungworts, and comfrey.
--They are pollinator magnets, attracting early season bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
--Deer tend to leave them alone.
