Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
One of the Spring flowers that we’re very fond of here is the Virgina Bluebell. Carefree to grow and deer don’t eat them. These appear en masse at the Monocacy National Battlefield Park, about 2 miles away along the Monocacy River. They grow so freely that you would think that someone had seeded these along the hiking trail just for visitors. For those of us who live nearby, these farms and woodlands are just like you owned the property because you usually are on your own when hiking or running there. And I guess in a sense we are among the large group of joint-owners. There are many, many deer in these woods and they don’t touch the Bluebells.
Springtime Bluebells along the Monocacy River
At any rate once you’ve seen this display of bluebells it’s hard not to want to duplicate that scene on our property as well. So when we received an offer from Sunshine Farm and Gardens (thanks Jonathan!) for Virginia Bluebells in quantity, it was hard not to take advantage of this opportunity. We put in an order for 15 blooming size tubers on February 3rd. They arrived via U.S. mail two days ago. Here’s what they looked like when I unwrapped them.
Order of Sunshine Farm and Gardens Bluebells
There were 17 tubers in all, probably to allow for a couple that didn’t look that great. I planted them in 40 degree weather yesterday and they look like they should be pretty happy out in the woods. I’ll report further when we get to mid-April and Bluebell season. Did I mention that deer don’t eat them?
You are going to love growing Bluebells. From the moment they emerge with darkest purple foliage, they bring a smile to my face. Mine have started seeding about. I particularly like them with the native Celadine Poppy, Stylophorum diphyllum.
We do have many of the Poppies around the yard and you are right I need to move them down into the woods. They propagate like mad and they are also quite beautiful.
These are one of my favourites…. such a beautiful blue! I was so captivated with this genus that I have also planted M. siberica and M. ciliata — both later flowering (June and July in some cases, but still the same blue bells) and more clump forming….. a spectacular genus for the woodland garden!
What a great idea! I’ll add those to my shopping list…
I love this wildflower…and they were accidently covered by two large boulders…it’s time to order more! Thank you for reminding me! gail