How to Grow Virginia Bluebells

Planting: Plant transplants or dormant rhizomes in early spring as soon as the ground is workable. Place the rhizome one inch below the top of the soil. You can also sow seeds directly into the garden during the fall or six to eight weeks before the last frost in the spring.

Do Virginia bluebells spread?
Where do bluebells grow best?
Can you grow Virginia bluebells from seed?
Are Virginia bluebells perennial?
Do bluebells like sun or shade?
Do hummingbirds like Virginia bluebells?
Do bluebells grow back every year?
What month do you plant bluebells?
Are bluebells poisonous to dogs?
What grows well with Virginia bluebells?
Do bluebells multiply?
Can bluebells be grown in pots?

Do Virginia bluebells spread?

Propagating Virginia Bluebells

Plants spread by both rhizomes and self-seeding. Propagation is possible but challenging. You can propagate by seed or by divisions. Dig up and carefully cut the rhizomes apart.

Where do bluebells grow best?

Bluebells are best planted in shady areas – around trees or underneath shrubs – where the cool conditions intensify the flower colour. Plant the bulbs 7.5cm (3in) deep, 10-15cm (4-6in) apart in autumn in well-prepared soil with lots of added bulky organic matter dug in.

Can you grow Virginia bluebells from seed?

Planting and Caring for Bluebells

Bluebells can be started from seed, although they grow quite slowly. Scatter the seed over the garden area in early spring. Keep the soil evenly moist.

Are Virginia bluebells perennial?

Mertensia virginica is one of about 40 species in this genus of herbaceous perennials with blue, bell-shaped flowers. Other common names include eastern bluebells, Virginia cowslip, and lungwort oysterleaf. ... This ephemeral perennial plant comes up early in the spring.

Do bluebells like sun or shade?

If we take a cue from their natural habitat it will be no surprise to learn that bluebells thrive in partial shade, under deciduous trees or shrubs and need moist but well-drained soil.

Do hummingbirds like Virginia bluebells?

About Virginia Bluebells Flowers

When bluebells first emerge in early spring, they have striking, deep purple foliage. ... These are prettiest on the plant and don't make good cut flowers. The fragrance is light and sweet. Bees and hummingbirds are attracted to bluebells.

Do bluebells grow back every year?

As a perennial plant, bluebells flower every year. Bluebell colonies take between 5-7 years so develop and can take some time to recover if damaged.

What month do you plant bluebells?

Bluebells can be planted in the spring as ready plants, or more economically as bulbs in the Autumn.

Are bluebells poisonous to dogs?

Bluebells. Bluebell plants and bulbs contain 'scillarens', chemicals that reduce the heart rate. This can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and disorientation in dogs.

What grows well with Virginia bluebells?

Hosta are a good choice for companion planting, as are ferns. Light: As woodland plants, Virginia bluebells naturally thrive in partial to full shade. Soil: Moist soil, rich in organic matter is best for Virginia bluebells. Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart for a lush look that imitates wild populations.

Do bluebells multiply?

Although the native English bluebell and the larger Spanish bluebell are often grown in gardens, they can multiply and become a nuisance, requiring control.

Can bluebells be grown in pots?

For containers

Bluebells can also be planted in containers in the same soil conditions, (good-quality, well-drained soil). Ensure there are adequate draining holes. Place in part shade. Lift the bulbs once flowered and plant elsewhere in the garden.