NEW SERIES: Take a Walk with Tavia!
As Tavia explores the forest and gardens, she’ll share her discoveries.
Today’s flower: Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
These are some of the first spring wildflowers to grace our gardens, often forming lovely meandering colonies (or groupings). Take a walk in Creasey’s Woodland Garden to behold these beauties.
Their buds are often pink and turn a stunning shade of blue as the flowers mature. Variations in flower colors occur, so don’t be surprised if you see creamy white or pale pink flowers in the mix.
These lovelies are native to our area, and unsurprisingly, spring pollinators depend on them as a food source. Take a seat near a patch of Virginia bluebells and see who visits! Don’t be surprised to catch long-tongued bees, bumblebees and butterflies as they hover or land on the tips of the tubular blossoms.
After about 6 to 8 weeks, when the show of flowers is done, the plant will turn yellow and with hollow stems, the plant will quickly fade. Don’t worry, your plants aren’t dead, only dormant, as they go into a deep slumber until next spring.
These are lovely in shaded areas when paired with bleeding hearts, celandine poppies, anemones, and trilliums, to name a few.
