An enchanting Missouri native shade perennial, Great Merrybells, Uvularia grandiflora, emerges in spring with considerable drama. Like a performance from the most gifted ballerina, its stalks emerge from the ground with curled leaves and dangling yellow bells. As it matures, its leaves unfurl, creating a lush mound of fascinating stalks. Spreading via rhizomes, this Missouri native perennial slowly forms into a dense clump perfect for naturalizing areas around trees or can be used as tall, low-maintenance ground cover.

A top native shade plant for the woodland garden, wildflower garden, or naturalized area. However, its vertical strong stalks bring striking lines to more formal settings. Although it prefers moist woodland conditions, Great Merrybells will tolerate dryer areas, making it a good choice for under trees. A choice early pollinator plant for many native bees.

Growing instructions: Plant in shade to part shade in soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter. Although tolerant of dry conditions, keep well watered until plants get established and during dry spells.