Martensia virginica
(Lungwort Oyesterleaf, Roanoke Bells, Virginia Bluebells, Virginia Cowslip, Lungwort Oysterleaf)
Origin: Native of north eastern United States
Family: Boraaginaceae
Light: Part-full shade
Height: 1-2'
Spacing: 1'
Blooms: Slight fragrance, nodding cymes, bell-shaped, pink, blue, violet, mid-Spring
Foliage: Herbaceous, rounded, blue-green on 2' long stem
Soil: Well-drained, mildly acidic, neutral, mildly alkaline
Water: Regular
Uses: Shade garden, naturalizing, mass plant, woodland setting
Propagation: Seeds, tubers
Comments: Martensia virginica or Lungwort Oysterleaf or Roanoke Bells or Virginia Bluebells or Virginia Cowslip is a late blooming perennial plant . It is native to north eastern America. In mid-Spring, Martensia virginica produces delicately fragrant nodding cymes, pink buds opening to lovely bell-shaped, sky-blue blossoms on end of arching stems. This is followed in Summer by wrinkled nuts with 4 seeds inside. Butterflies are magnetized by its nectar-rich flowers. Lungwort Oysterleaf is easily propagated from seeds or tubers. It thrives best in well-drained, moist, mildly acidic, neutral or mildly alkaline soil in a shady location. Roanoke Bells self sows and soon forms a nice clump. Mass plant Virginia Bluebells in a woodland setting for a splendid display. It has a short life so plant it with hosta to fill in the area when plant goes dormant till next season in Spring. Virginia Cowslip naturalizes easily in the shade garden. It is a show stopper.
USDA Zones: 3-9
JennysGarden.com...Plant images and gardening description of perennial Martensia virginica (Lungwort Oysterleaf, Roanoke Bells, Virginia Bluebells, Virginia Cowslip) growing in Jenny's Garden
Image of butterfly attractor, Martensia virginica or Lungwort Oysterleaf or Roanoke Bells or Virginia Bluebells or Virginia Cowslip coming soon...
