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Virginia Bluebells

Mertensia virginica

Related to Forget-Me-Nots, Virginia Bluebells have few equals in the color arena: arresting blue-lilac blossoms hang in hand-bell shaped clusters from stem tops, preceded by equally lovely pinkish-blue buds. ‘Discovered’ in the New Word by early 1600s botanists, Virginia Bluebells quickly became a coveted ornament in English gardens. Bluebells become dormant by summer so they’re best interplanted among perennials that bloom later or have evergreen foliage. Virginia Bluebell flowers attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.