Virginia Bluebells
The Virginia bluebells have drooping, bell-shaped flowers that appear in the spring. The erect, leafy plants are most attractive in an informal or wild garden.
The outer portion of the petals is sky blue and the inner part pinkish or purplish. Each flower is about an inch long, and they are produced in clusters that hang gracefully at the ends of branching stems. They bloom in April and May. All foliage dies back and usually has disappeared by July. Virginia bluebell is restrained in growth and not invasive, but will self-sow here and there.
The plant prefers a cool, moist soil high in organic matter, and is partial to dense shade. It does best in the cool-summer climates of the northern latitudes. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart.
Mulching will help keep soil cool and moist in the summer and also provide a continual supply of decaying organic matter. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Do not remove the foliage when it starts to degenerate, but allow it to die down naturally, as with bulbs.
