Merry Bells Uvularia grandiflora

Large Bellwort is an easy to grow native perennial wildflower in the Colchicaceae family and is found mostly in the western part of NC. The large pendulous lily-like yellow flowers give the plant a droopy appearance due to their weight and the weight of the leaves. Blooming occurs in April and May. Mulch with pine needle to deter slugs.

It prefers moist, humusy soil and partial shade to full shade but can tolerate occasional dry soil. The root system is rhizomatous, from which offsets are often produced and can occasionally form colonies. Works well in woodland gardens, shady borders or allowed to naturalize. A great companion to ferns, Hostas and other woodland plants.

It can be grown from seed, however, plant immediately after they ripen, which will occur in late summer.  Don't let the seeds dry out.  Division of mature clumps can be accomplished in the spring or fall.  Division is preferred over seeding for quicker results.   An maturity, the central stem will divide into 2 to 3 side stems.  Immature plants typically have undivided stems.  Mature plants have a single flower on each side stem.  The flower has an elongated bell-like shape.

The flowers have a mild fragrance.  Their bloom period, occurring in mid spring, extends for a period of approximately 2 weeks.  Once the flowers have bloomed, they are replaced by a seed capsule.  Each capsule contains several seeds.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems though young plants can be damaged by slugs.  Frequently damaged by deer.