Mertensia virginica (Virginia Bluebells)

Mertensia virginica, best known as Virginia bluebell, is a native perennial wildflower that occurs across a large part of the eastern half of North America in moist woodlands and river floodplain environments. Mertensia virginica starts as red-purple tinted, low-growing basal leaves and eventually rises to a one to two foot tall, lush blue-green clumping form. In early spring, Virginia bluebells begin producing a number of flower buds, which typically emerge white or pink before eventually turning to a deep, rich blue with slight fragrance. Multiple shades of blues and purples add a striking effect when planted in masses, and flowers are a favorite of butterflies and bumblebees.

As a spring ephemeral wildflower, Virginia bluebells make for excellent ground cover in shadier areas up until flowers and foliage die back to the ground in mid-summer; at this point, the plant goes dormant until the following spring, meaning that Mertensia virginica makes for a good choice as a naturalized planting or as a great companion plant in gardens with later-blooming, shade tolerant plants.