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Mayapple and Virginia Bluebell

20 years ago

I have just received a Mayapple and a Virginia Bluebell from a friend. The only place in my yard that has close to the right conditions for them is under pine trees. Now where I live we don't have pines growing in the forests so I don't know if these plants grow under or among them. Any comments appreciated.

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Comments (7)

ladyslppr
20 years ago
I think both of these plants will do OK under pine trees. I am assuming that you live in a climate that these plants naturally inhabit. If you live in the deep south or out west, you may not be able to grow these plants at all, regardless of the type of tree over them.

In the northeast and midwest both plants are usually found under broad-leaved trees, but they are both adaptable. If the only shady place you have is under pines, that is where you should plant them. I would make sure to water periodically this summer because they will not have well developed root systems. Both may go dormant earlier than normal this summer because of the transplanting, but should return next spring. If they appear to die after you plant them don't give up - it is normal for them to die in midsummer (and maybe earlier this year).
birdgardner
20 years ago
Mine seem to take a lot of abuse. Since they are ephemerals they can put up with a fair amount of summer dryness and competition from the pines.
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I have a patch of them next to a gravel path, and they reseed into the gravel constantly. I move some of the seedlings each spring before they go dormant, and I can still find them; and never have had a problem getting them to live. They have a taproot that looks like a carrot. The big ones are hard to move, but the babies are never a problem. Just dig them up and put them where you want them, and forget them. They do like lots of light tho not direct sun, and don't need any special care. It is a good idea to mark where you've put them so you don't accidently dig them up or plant something on top of them, tho I did inadvertantly plant a hosta in the middle of one patch. Both plants are fine, and the bluebells came up anyway. I'm sure they are putting lots of seed out for you, but it may not germinate due to good weeding or cultivating practices. The seed falls into the gravel path here and doesn't get dislodged before it germinates. It does take 2 or 3 years for the babies grow up big enough to bloom, and they are easily mistaken for weeds until then. It's kind of a myth that they need rich woodland soil and lots of moisture. They do like average woodland soil, and moisture in the spring when they are growing, but when they are dormant average rainfall is fine. They even survive a drought without a problem. Sandy
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winged_mammal
20 years ago
Both can actually be grown in full sun, unless you live in the South.
ahughes798
20 years ago
Mayapples..oh my goodness...I have to divide and give them away every 3 years...they do well in my high and dry shade, I think they will do really well in you situation. The bluebells I can't speak to, as I suspect they don't like my high and dry shade. I've not had much luck with them.
waplummer
20 years ago
May Apples are not ephemeral!
prhart
20 years ago
Check your soil pH. Unlike many natives which prefer a fairly acidic soil, Virginia bluebells do best in a soil that is close to neutral. My guess is that beneath pine trees yours is acidic so you may want to add lime to the area where you plant the bluebells
bhrost
20 years ago
I have lots of bluebells growing under white pine. They will spread almost anywhere. Mayapples might like a bit more moisture.

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