Mertensia virginica
VIRGINIA WOODLAND BLUEBELLS
SKU: 142-010
Description
A gorgeous native Bluebell with true-blue nodding flowers! Flowers start as pink/violet buds, and then change to deep rich blue flowers as they grow. Blooming begins in very early spring, and last for several weeks. Plants readily naturalize, but do not become invasive. They are ideally situated in a partially d location, though we have some in full sun, and they are quite happy. These are a favorite food for butterflies, and there are few other plants blooming this early in the spring.
Type: Hardy perennial
Hardiness zones: 3-8
Height: 1.5 to 2', 18-24"
Location: Shade or part sun
Germination: Start these seeds indoors right away for best germination rates. Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a seed-start mix, and water in. Leave them at room temperature for 4 weeks. This helps break the phytohormones which inhibit germination. They will not grow yet. Then a cooling period is required. Cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 80 days. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold-moist stratification period they are then brought back to a cool room (15-18C, 59-68F) for them to germinate. Germination is generally 30-60 days after the warming period, though some can take longer.
Description
A gorgeous native Bluebell with true-blue nodding flowers! Flowers start as pink/violet buds, and then change to deep rich blue flowers as they grow. Blooming begins in very early spring, and last for several weeks. Plants readily naturalize, but do not become invasive. They are ideally situated in a partially d location, though we have some in full sun, and they are quite happy. These are a favorite food for butterflies, and there are few other plants blooming this early in the spring.
Type: Hardy perennial
Hardiness zones: 3-8
Height: 1.5 to 2', 18-24"
Location: Shade or part sun
Germination: Start these seeds indoors right away for best germination rates. Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a seed-start mix, and water in. Leave them at room temperature for 4 weeks. This helps break the phytohormones which inhibit germination. They will not grow yet. Then a cooling period is required. Cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 80 days. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold-moist stratification period they are then brought back to a cool room (15-18C, 59-68F) for them to germinate. Germination is generally 30-60 days after the warming period, though some can take longer.
