The Virginia bluebell (Mertensia virginica) is a perennial wildflower that features clusters of bell-shaped blue and violet blossoms and light green, hairless, oval leaves. Mature plants will often produce white or pinkish flowers as well. This plant grows best in woodland areas with moist, fertile soil and partial sun. The main pollinators of the Virginia bluebell include honeybees, mason bees, bumblebees, hummingbirds, anthrophorid bees and butterflies. The Virginia bluebell will grow between one and 2.5 feet tall, and its leaves are approximately three inches across and seven inches long. Blooming lasts for about three weeks and usually occurs in mid to late spring.
A member of the liliaceane family, the English bluebell (Hyacinthoide non-scripta) is a common flower in the United Kingdom. The plant produces bell-shaped violet and blue flowers and grows between one and two feet tall. The English bluebell is especially common in moist, woodland areas where there are lots of oak and beech trees. This flower is currently under threat by the invasive Spanish bluebell and hybrids of the two flower species. In the United Kingdom it is illegal to collect the English bluebell for sale, because it is now a protected species. You can help English bluebells grow in your garden by adding bone meal or bulb fertilizer at the start of the blooming season each year.
The perennial bellflower or campanula is named for its bell-shaped blue to violet blossoms. Bellflowers require moist soil and lots of sun in colder climates or partial sun in warm climates. You can encourage growth by fertilizing the bellflower weekly and maintaining moist soil. Bellflowers work well as hanging basket, pot and ground flowers and can be kept indoors as long as they receive plenty of sunlight. These flowers typically bloom from late spring to early autumn. Bellflowers grow to a height of between six and 12 inches given the proper care. Be careful not to crowd bellflowers in their beds and give them full sunlight if possible.