Mertensia virginica – Virginia Bluebells

General Information: A native to moist woodlands and floodplains at the edges of forests in Eastern North America. Virginia Bluebells add a splash of vivid blue to the garden in mid-spring before many other plants have emerged. These beauties are perennial Spring Ephemerals that will flower, produce seeds, and then die back each year by mid-summer.

In mid-spring a clump of unusual purple-red leaves emerges, the plant quickly bursts into a cluster of greenery once the days start to warm up. The striking bell-shaped flowers unfurl one by one for about three weeks from mid-April to mid-May. The unopened buds are pinkish, while the fully bloomed flowers are a striking true blue. The color-changing flowers are dainty yet reliable. Once they have fallen, the plant will form a fruit containing several seeds, which will then be dispersed as the plant re-enters dormancy until the following spring. Virginia Bluebells attract a variety of pollinators hungry for the first flush of spring nectar. They are also a most welcome sign of spring for the anxious gardener! Virginia Bluebells have been used medicinally by Indigenous Peoples. They are considered threatened in New Jersey and endangered in Michigan.

Edible Qualities:  A delicate potherb; shoots can be collected and eaten raw or cooked, much like Spinach. The flavor is said to greatly improve when steamed or lightly blanched for only 30 seconds. The entire shoot, with stems, leaves, and flower buds attached, is best gathered sparingly from mature clumps just before the flowers bloom. If necessary, store them in a cup of water in the refrigerator until they are ready to be cooked.

Note: Do not confuse these with Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis species) or European Bluebells (Hyacinthoides species) which are inedible and toxic, respectively.

Cultivation Details: A spring ephemeral wildflower, going dormant soon after blossoming. They prefer soil that retains some moisture. Select a site where they can be free from obstructions in spring, and go dormant in summer.

Growing Requirements: Plant in dappled sun, to full sun, or partial shade to full shade. The plant’s greatest success is in moist, rich, well-drained soils. Does not tolerate dry soils. Consider amending soils with organic matter and mulch in very dry or compacted sites. Tolerant of very acidic to slightly alkaline soils.