Mertensia virginica 'Alba'
Mertensia virginica ‘Alba’ is a white flowered selection of Virginia bluebells. Buds and blossoms open ivory to creamy white and do not shift to blue. Plants grow 18 to 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide with the same spring ephemeral habit as the species. Bloom typically peaks from April to May in partial to full shade. It prefers moist, humus rich, well drained soil and benefits from overplanting with later perennials to fill the summer gap. Use this where white flowers show clearly in shade and contrast with dark foliage.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Spring ephemeral perennial
- Height × spread: 18 to 24 in × 12 to 18 in (45 to 60 cm × 30 to 45 cm)
- Bloom window: April to May
- Color & flower form: Pendulous white to creamy bells in loose clusters; no color shift
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: Zones 3 to 8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, unknown, selection of Eastern North American species
- Cut‑flower notes: Soft, hollow stems; poor vase life; not recommended
- Pet safety: unknown
How it differs
- White flowers rather than the species’ sky blue.
- Lacks the typical pink to blue color change of the species.
- Same stature, bloom window, and shade preference as the species.
- Same ephemeral habit: foliage disappears by early summer.
Strengths
- Clean white bloom color for shaded borders and woodland drifts.
- Attracts early pollinators similar to the species.
- Few pest or disease problems under good drainage.
Care in one minute
- Site: partial to full shade; morning sun is acceptable where soils stay moist.
- Soil: humus rich, moist, well drained; neutral to slightly acidic.
- Water: keep evenly moist in spring; supplemental water during establishment.
- Feeding: compost top dressing once a year is sufficient.
- Maintenance: avoid division except when clumps are crowded; mark sites so dormant crowns are not disturbed.
Watch‑outs
- Goes dormant by early summer; plan companions to cover gaps.
- Fragile stems crease easily; avoid heavy foot traffic.
- Not suited to cutting; vase life is short.
Best uses (tags)
woodland, shade‑tolerant, naturalizing, pollinators, underplanting
Provenance note
White forms occur naturally within wild populations of the species.
‘Alba’ denotes a selected white flowered form grown in gardens.
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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