By Julie Christensen
Native to North America , wild hyacinth are wizardly woodland flora that flourish in partial to full shade . Also know as Virginia bluebells ( Mertensia virginica ) , the plant can be regain in fertile telephone number in woodland areas , in particular in the eastern and Midwest United States . Bluebells were used medicinally by the Cherokee Indians to treat tuberculosis and whooping coughing and as an antidote for poisoning .
In the nursing home garden , Scilla nonscripta flowers are a valuable addition to shadowy areas . They bloom in spring , forming small clusters of bell - like flowers on slim stalks . The plants grow 12 to 24 inches improbable with bright green foliage . During the spring , the plant grow and spread rapidly , forming a dense matt . They thrive in nerveless , moist condition , but buy the farm back as soon as summer warmth arrives . Because of this disposition , plant life bluebells among other nuance - loving plants , such as hostas and wild ginger . Once the bluebells disappear , other plant can take their place .
Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture works hardiness zones 3 through 8 , harebell flowers are deer and rabbit resistant and have few pest job . They can also tolerate the toxicity of black walnut trees . They do n’t stomach transfer well , though , so check that you plant them in a permanent localisation .
Planting and Caring for Bluebells
Bluebells grow best in full to partial tad . Plant them en masse shot under trees and shrub in moist , but well - draining stain . Amend the territory before planting with compost , manure and peat moss . Bluebells can be started from seed , although they raise quite easy . disperse the seed over the garden country in former spring . Keep the dirt evenly moist . wood hyacinth are a type of bulb or rootstock and you may grow them from the bulbs , as well . set the bulbs in fall , spacing them 3 inches deep and wide of the mark . For quicker , more authentic increment , use greenhouse transplants . Place bluebells in the dirt in leaping after the last frost . infinite the plants 8 to 12 inches apart , bet on the smorgasbord . Mulch the dirt with 2 inches of Sir Henry Joseph Wood bit to conserve moisture and slow dope outgrowth .
Water newly engraft bluebells frequently to keep the soil equally moist . Once the root have become established , you may bring down watering slimly . However , the soil should remain slightly moist to the touch at all times , but never muddy .
Like most aboriginal woodland plants , bluebell are adapted to somewhat poor soils and do n’t need overly fertile shape . Fertilize them in the spring as new growth emerges with ¼ cup 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer per 100 square foot of soil .
Bluebells disperse through both rhizomes and ego - seeding . Over time , they can grow out of bound and become encroaching , especially in nerveless , damp clime . Simply prod the plant out and discard them to keep them in line .
Potential Pests and Problems
Because bluebells appear in spring and evaporate by summertime , they miss most of the unwashed insect and disease problems that provoke other plants . You may notice a few leaf spots , especially during particularly wet spring . transfer any diseased plant textile quick and apply deluge hoses rather of overhead sprinklers to thin disease problem .
slug and snails revalue the same conditions that are best for bluebells – cool , moist and shaded . If you notice slug , pull the mulch back to dry out out the dirt slightly . habituate traps and rally if the problem is severe .
For more information on wood hyacinth , visit the following linkup :
Virginia Bluebellsfrom the University of Illinois Extension
Mertensia Virginicafrom the Missouri Botanical Garden
See Virginia tulip gentian growing wildon YouTube .
