Bellflower - Bellwort

Bellflower | Uvularia

The charming Bellwort plant, commonly called Merry Bells, gets its name from its drooping stems and dangling yellow flowers, which resemble a choir of bells amidst your gardenscape. The lush plant stems in a tight clump, and can spread up to , providing a meadow of lush greenery from its many leaves as well as its eye-catching blooms. 

You can often find it under the cover of trees, or along shady borders of houses and gardens, as it prefers dappled sun and moist soil. The golden yellow petals pair well with ferns, wild leeks, or any shade loving blossom, making it the perfect addition to any woodland or wildflower garden.

Plant Details - Bellflower

Family: Colchicaceae

Light Requirement: Partial shade, Full shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 30 in

Spread: 12 in

Growth Rate: Moderate

Soil Preference: Moist, well drained

Bloom Time: Mid-Late Spring

Flower Color: Yellow

Wildlife Value: Insect pollinators, seed distribution

Notable Characteristics - Bellflower

You can identify the Bellwort by its distinct arching, bell-like quality. The stems are soft and fleshy, which match its equally soft and paper thin leaves. As the plant matures and blooms, the stems begin to bend and droop downward, the oblong leaves and golden petals twisting as they reach toward the ground. 

This lush plant has many medicinal uses, especially by the Ojibwe, Potawatomi and Menominee tribes indigenous to the Great Lakes region. People use this plant topically to treat snake bites, swelling and inflammation. When prepared properly, the plant can be ingested, taking advantage of the salicylic acid derivatives in the roots to treat a number of aches and pains.

Landscape and Maintenance: Bellflower

The drooping yellow flower is native to eastern and central North America, and commonly thrives in Appalachia, and the Great Lakes and Mississippi Valley regions. The bell-like plant prefers a woodland setting, with moist, well drained soil and full or partial shade, but is extremely hardy. It is drought tolerant, and can even tolerate occasional flooding. 

Once established, Bellwort is beautiful and low maintenance, attracting a variety of native bee species to pollinate. The seeds in the center of its yellow flower are attractive to ants, who help carry and redistribute the seeds.

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How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs

Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.

For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.

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