Merrybells
Uvularia grandiflora · Colchicaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant merrybells: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 16-24 inches tall
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (zones 3-9)
- Origin
- North America, woodland areas
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
Care
Light exposure
Uvularia grandiflora prefers partial shade or dappled light, like in a woodland setting. It tolerates full shade but flowers more generously with a few hours of indirect light. Avoid the hot afternoon sun.
Watering
Keep the soil moist and fresh during the growing season, especially in spring. Reduce watering after flowering when the foliage naturally begins to dry out. A mulch layer helps retain soil moisture and coolness.
Soil and planting
Prepare a rich substrate slightly acidic and well-drained, with plenty of organic matter. Mix in compost or peat moss when planting. This plant loves fresh soil but dreads winter waterlogging.
Fertilizer
A light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in spring is more than enough. Uvularia is not demanding and thrives in humus-rich soil without needing intensive fertilization.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. Let the foliage dry naturally in summer after flowering, then clean up the dead stems in autumn or early winter. The plant disappears completely underground in winter.
Diseases and pests
Uvularia is generally very healthy and rarely troubled by disease or pests. Poor drainage can promote rhizome rot. Take care not to overload the soil with stagnant moisture.
Did you know?
Uvularia grandiflora gets its Latin name 'uvularia' from its hanging flowers that resemble a uvula (the soft tissue at the back of the throat). Its delicate pale yellow bell-shaped flowers were used by Native Americans and settlers for traditional medicinal preparations. It's an aristocratic shade plant, perfect for recreating a temperate forest atmosphere in a shaded garden.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Autumn crocusColchicum autumnale
- Showy colchicumColchicum speciosum
- Burchardia umbellataBurchardia umbellata
- Sessileleaf bellwortUvularia sessilifolia
- Wurmbea dioicaWurmbea dioica
- Disporum smilacinumDisporum smilacinum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.