Velvetbells: A Charming Arctic Native That’s Almost Too Cool to Grow
If you’ve ever wondered what flowers bloom in some of the coldest places on Earth, meet velvetbells (Bartsia alpina). This petite perennial might just be the most specialized plant you’ll ever consider for your garden – and quite possibly the most challenging to actually grow successfully.
What Are Velvetbells?
Velvetbells are small, hardy perennials that call the Arctic and subarctic regions of northern Canada and Greenland home. True to their common name, these plants produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers with a distinctly fuzzy, velvety texture that seems designed to handle the harsh conditions of their native tundra habitat.
Where Do Velvetbells Grow Naturally?
In North America, you’ll find velvetbells thriving in the wild across Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut, Labrador, and Newfoundland. These plants have adapted to some of the most extreme growing conditions on the continent, flourishing in areas where most other plants simply can’t survive.
What Do Velvetbells Look Like?
Don’t expect towering garden drama from velvetbells – these are compact, low-growing plants that rarely exceed a few inches in height. Their purple-pink flowers emerge from fuzzy stems and leaves, creating an overall appearance that’s both delicate and remarkably tough. The velvet in their name comes from the soft, hairy texture that covers the entire plant, which helps insulate it against freezing temperatures.
Should You Grow Velvetbells in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting – and challenging. While velvetbells are undeniably charming and native to North America, they’re extremely difficult to grow outside their natural Arctic habitat. These plants have evolved specifically for:
- Extremely cold temperatures (USDA hardiness zones 1-4)
- Short growing seasons with long daylight hours
- Well-draining, often alkaline soils
- Natural freeze-thaw cycles
Unless you live in the far north or have experience with specialized alpine gardening, velvetbells probably aren’t the best choice for your typical home garden.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re determined to try growing velvetbells (or live in a climate where it might actually work), here’s what you need to know:
- Climate: Requires consistently cool temperatures and won’t tolerate heat
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Excellent drainage is absolutely critical; prefers alkaline conditions
- Water: Moderate moisture during growing season, but soil must never stay waterlogged
- Propagation: Seeds require cold stratification and can be extremely slow to germinate
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
In their native range, velvetbells provide nectar for cold-adapted pollinators including small flies and specialized bees that are active in the brief Arctic summer. These relationships have evolved over thousands of years and are perfectly suited to their harsh environment.
The Bottom Line
Velvetbells are fascinating plants that showcase nature’s incredible ability to adapt to extreme conditions. While they’re beautiful and native to northern North America, they’re really only suitable for gardeners in very cold climates or those with specialized alpine garden setups. For most gardeners, appreciating velvetbells might be best done through photos or perhaps during a trip to their native Arctic habitat.
If you’re drawn to small, hardy perennials but live in a more temperate climate, consider cold-hardy alternatives like wild bergamot, prairie smoke, or pasque flower – plants that can give you that low-maintenance, native appeal without requiring Arctic conditions to thrive.
