Mayapple and Virginia Bluebells

A Taller ‘Umbrella’ Plant Partners with Blue Woodland Flowers in Spring.

The large palmate leaves of mayapple rise above the blue Virginia bluebells in the early spring. They both spread through the woodlands but are not invasive.

Looking for inspiration for a shady garden?

In spring, drifts of the native Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) burst into bloom in shady woodlands. Pink buds open to reveal hanging, trumpet-shaped sky blue flowers in April-May. This is a wonderful perennial plant and early nectar source for pollinators.

Virginia bluebells grow 18 inches tall and prefer sun in early spring followed by shade later as the trees leaf out. It seeds itself, forming large drifts, but they are not invasive. Known as a spring ephemeral, Virginia bluebells go dormant by mid-summer and will disappear, so plant them along with summer blooming shade perennials like bugbane (Actaea spp.) and ferns to fill in once the bluebells fade. Typically, Virginia bluebells are sold as bare root, dormant plants. Zones 3-8

The flowers of Virginia bluebells are blue accents on the woods—growing through moss, next to rocks and ferns. They are prized by bees, hummingbirds and butterflies as an early nectar source.

Native and shade tolerant flowers such as mayapple, bleeding heart, and columbines work well as plant partners to Virginia bluebells. Mayapple in particular is a good companion, acting as a taller ‘umbrella’ plant, because of its large, palmate leaves that unfurl in spring.  They shelter a single, fragrant white flower which shows up in May-June which attracts a variety of early season pollinators. After blooming, the a yellow apple-like fruit appears. The "apple" emits a fruity aroma that is attractive to box turtles. Note: The fruit and plant parts are poisonous to humans in large amounts. Zones 4-8.

Mayapples cover the earth in a spring woodland garden… they disappear in summer but they are so great in spring!

Virginia bluebells and mayapples are easily naturalized in moist, shady woodlands for a spring garden. Other companions for a spring show include columbines, bleeding heart and native coralbells. Add some daffodils for a lovely floral accent.

A sea of blue in the woodland as a drift of Virginia bluebells come into bloom.

More Plant Companions Coming Your Way! Plant two together to create a more varied and textured outdoor shady sanctuary.

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