Scientific Name: Wahlenbergia ceracea
Common Name: waxy bluebell
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Campanulaceae
Form Description: Perennial herb with slender branching rhizome. Leaves crowded near base of stem.
Height (m): 0.2 – 0.8
Flowers: Tube pale blue (rarely white), mid-vein of each lobe dark blue. Solitary, terminal, nodding in bud stage.
Fruit: Papery capsule
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Occasional in dry grassland in the eastern mountains.
Site Tolerance
Dry, Exposed, Moist
Soil Tolerance
Loam, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Capsules change from green to tan-brown and become brittle when seed is ripe. Cut stalks of capsules, place upside down in paper bag and dry in warm spot. Beat capsules to help release fine red-brown seed. Sieve to clean.
Seed Treatment Method
Cold Some species require exposure to cold before they germinate. These species are best sown in early winter and left to germinate in a shade house.
Seed Treatment Notes
Seed matures 3-5 weeks after flowering. Seed from some areas may have 4-6 months after-ripening period. Stratification at 3-5°C for 3 months may also improve results. Cover the fine seed only lightly as darkness significantly decreases results.
Germination Time
3-4 weeks
Cutting & Division Information
Can be grown from cuttings or by division.