Good question. I have big groups of them, but I always transplant mine in the spring when I can see them, with the leaves of course sticking above the ground. I just went out and poked around gently where I know they are, and couldn't find any sign of them (I didn't go more than half an inch deep) but I know they have a root kind of like a carrot. I think I would spit the difference, and plant the crowns aboout an inch deep. You could try some at ground level and some deeper, see what happens. They are wildflowers, they may just pull themselves where they need to be.

I bought bare roots AND also found them on a rescue. I planted them all with soil completely covering them, but not too deeply. If you have a problem of which way is up, you can always put them on their sides. They will find the top. I learned that from planting bulbs years ago.

Mickbo, where did you buy your VA bluebells? I have a couple small plants, one from a swap and one started from seed but would love to have lots of these.

American Meadows was where I purchased mine.