Virginia Bluebells Common Name: Virginia Bluebells Botanical Name: Mertensia virginica Virginia Bluebells Plant family: Boraginaceae Location: East Terrace Switchback, Tulip Tree Trail Growing zone: 3-9 Height: 12-20 in. Spread: 12-16 in. Bloom time: April, May Bloom description: Buds are pink, but fade to shades of blue as they open. The nodding flowers bloom in clusters and hang like tiny bells. Leaf type: Leaves emerge very early in spring and first appear purple but open up as a soft green. They are large, reaching lengths of 4-6 in. They die back as soon as the flowers drop and the weather turns warm, around June. Garden uses: Most commonly seen growing in moist woods in the northern Ozarks. Wildlife benefits: An early source of nectar for native bees.
