Uvularia grandiflora

Uvularia grandiflora: Lemon Bells Dangling in Spring Shade

Bellwort droops its yellow bells like it just heard the worst pun of its life. Long twisted petals, leaves the stems seem to poke right through, and plenty of woodland swagger. NATIVE, NODDING AND DEEPLY UNIMPRESSED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Uvularia grandiflora
• Common Name: Large-flowered Bellwort, Merrybells
• Height: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Spread: 30–40 cm (12–16 in)
• Flowers: Nodding, bell-shaped, pale to bright yellow, with six long, slightly twisted petals
• Bloom Time: Mid to late spring (April to May)
• Foliage: Bright to deep green, lance-shaped leaves that the stems appear to pass through

Where to Plant: Plant it in a woodland garden, under deciduous trees, or in a shady native bed. It slowly forms a clump and is lovely in small groups. Its leaves stay through summer, so it won't leave a gap after flowering.

Companion Plants: Asarum europaeum spreads a glossy 10 to 15 cm groundcover below the drooping yellow bells. Epimedium 'Lilafee' adds violet flowers at 25 to 30 cm in April and May, blooming right alongside the bellwort. Tricyrtis hirta brings white flowers at 60 to 90 cm in August and September for late interest. It's an easy woodland group for full shade to partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in part shade to full shade, in rich, humus-heavy soil that stays evenly moist but drains well. Work in compost or leaf mould at planting time. Water through the first season and in dry spells. Mulch with shredded leaves in fall. Slugs can nibble the foliage in damp springs. Cut the stems down in late fall or early spring. It spreads slowly by rhizomes. Divide in fall or early spring if you want more plants.

History: Large-flowered bellwort grows wild in rich, moist hardwood forests across eastern and central North America, reaching its northern limit in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Its seeds carry a fatty appendage that ants collect, which helps spread new plants.

Final Thoughts: Shade, low maintenance and early food for pollinators. Plant a clump under the trees. RING THE BELL. ADD TO CART.