Uvularia grandiflora

Merry Bells or Bellwort

An interesting woodland plant not widely grown Uvularia grandiflora is the pick of this small genus of spring flowering bulbs. A few named cultivars are available including ‘Cobblewood Good’

This one is native to Eastern North America into Canada where they grow in forested areas.

Only 5 species in the genus all requiring a humus rich soil,  Uvularia are an excellent plant for a lightly shaded position.

Attractive flowers followed by good foliage that holds well into summer they make a colourful addition to the garden. We think they are an elegant plant, they do need some moisture over summer, however are well worth the effort.

How To Grow Uvularia grandiflora

They are a plant that grows from rhizomes and require similar conditions to Polygonatum and Convallaria. Bees and insect love the flowers and they are a brilliant yellow. The slightly twisted foliage adds another level of interest.

They are a medium to tall plant reaching 30 – 45 cm in height in our garden.

• Choose a position in light dappled shade, or morning sun with light afternoon shade.
• Ensure that the soil is well drained yet vwith some moisture through summer.
• Dig in some aged cow manure and compost/leaf mold before planting.
• Plant and water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
• A light layer of mulch will help retain moisture over summer.
• Fertilise immediately after flowering with a general purpose slow release fertiliser.

They are really a low care plant, we grow them where they get adequate spring rain and have shade over summer. We do fertilise every 2 – 3 years and the mulch is a natural one from deciduous trees.

We have found that they increase slowly, they realy seem to self seed and are one of those plants that once established is quite happy to be left alone.

These small bulbs are originally from America. Flowering in spring they are also known as Bellworts Fairybells or Merrybells.

Uvularia are a woodland species and are especially suited for growing in the shade garden.

Uvularia Species include :

• U. grandiflora.
• U. perfoliata.
• U. sessilifolia.

Uvularia grandiflora Growing conditions and care

A low growing perennial to around .3m Uvularia grandiflora has pretty nodding yellow flowers in spring, an excellent plant for a woodland situation.

U. sessilifolia is similar in habit but with very pale yellow flowers, slightly taller growing is U.perfoliata

Spreading by underground rhizomes, clumps can be divided in winter or early spring

Companion Plants Include

• Erythronium
• Sanguinaria
• Primula
• Hellebores
• Trillium
• epimedium
• vancouveria chrysantha
• tiarella
• dicentra specabilis
• corydalis
• shade loving plants
• cottage garden plants

Uvularia grandiflora is available for sale form the following nurseries

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