One of the sweetest spring ephemerals you can have in your garden.

What draws me to Mertensia virginica is the rounded grey-green leaves.  Chameleon-like, the buds are pink, yet open to a beautiful shade of blue.

Mertensia virginica in bud – pixieperennials.com

Native to eastern North America, Virginia bluebells love a shady spot with well-drained soil.  They do not like to be moved; this stresses the Mertensia virginica;  think carefully where to locate them  before planting.  After flowering, the plant goes dormant until next year.  Mark the location for future reference.

Mertensia virginica – pixieperennials.com

Mertensia virginica – pixieperennials.com

Mertensia virginica – pixieperennials.com

Also known as Virginia cowslip, lungwort oyster leaf, and Roanoke bells.