Uvularia grandiflora – Large Flowered Bellwort; Great Merrybells

General Information: The leaves and flowers of Large Flowered Bellwort emerge in early and mid spring, before most other plants have broken dormancy. The large yellow flowers with twisted petals and folded leaves create a lovely scene in shady areas in early spring. Large Flowered Bellwort has a unique leaf shape, known as being perfoliate, which means the leaves wrap all the way around the stem, and the stem appears to pierce through the center of each leaf. This easy-to-grow perennial naturally occurs on mountain slopes and hillsides, making this plant ideal for shady areas that have rich but well-drained soils. Large Flowered Bellwort occurs with two other similar species in the genus Uvularia, and can be distinguished by having the largest and the yellowest flowers of the three. The plant has been used medicinally by Indigenous Peoples in the plant’s native range. There is a specialist Bee, the Uvularia Bee (Andrena uvulariae) which is highly attracted to plants in this genus and visits the flowers just as they are beginning to open.

Cultivation Details: This plant naturally develops folded leaves during emergence and flowering, which may be mistaken for disease or lack of water. Growers are encouraged to apply deep mulch after planting this species to mimic the natural conditions the plant is adapted to. Consider pairing Large Flowered Bellwort with Wild Leeks (Allium tricoccum), Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia spp), Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium nipponicum), Spicebush (Lindera benzoin), and other shade lovers! Uses: mass planting, borders, foundation planting (especially along shady north-facing walls), woodland garden, native (shade) garden, and rewilding (naturalizing).

Growing Requirements: Plant in filtered or partial shade, can handle full shade. It is recommended to limit direct sun to 2-5 hours. Uniquely tolerant of deep shade. Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Tolerates sand, loam, and clay soils provided they are well-mulched. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils.