Hallson Gardens

So... I have had Mertensia, Virginia blue bells in my garden for 3 years now and I am getting a little concerned.

I get nice blue-green foliage and have never had a bloom. Does this plant need to mature first?

Does anyone else have this problem?

Thanks, Dolly

Hi Dolly,

Depending on how big they were or if you grew them from seed, yes, they can take a few years to bloom.

They also don't like heavy, wet soil. The best plants I've grown have been in good but dry soil. After a while they formed really big colonies by self-seeding.

Good luck with yours!

Chris

Dolly, I agree with Chris. It does take a while but they are faster to bloom than many wildflowers... often blooming in the second or third year from seed.
Do your plants get plenty of sun in Spring? Sun is very important for woodland wildflowers though they are often sold as shade plants. As long as they're healthy, I'm sure you'll have nice surprises to come. As Chris mentioned, once they do bloom and set seed you'll be getting LOTS of them.