Bluebell

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Common Name

Bluebell

Scientific Name

Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Plant Category

Perennial

Location

Britain, Western Europe from central Spain as far north as the Netherlands, parts of central Europe

Height

12-24 inches

Width

Up to 4  inches

Blooming Season

Spring

Plant Habit

Upright, clumping-type

Color

Violet-blue, white or pink

Sun

Partial shade, shade

Soil

Well-drained and moist

Water

Adequate moisture

Plant Characteristics

Attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. Flowers are pollinated by insects. Generally intolerant of trampling, heavy grazing, water logging, deep shade and competing with vigorous grasses.

Usage

Effective as border plants, or in a grouping of several plants, as an accent. Also excellent as cut flowers.

Information

Bluebells are bulbous spring flowering plants. The bell-shaped flowers are fragrant and stand upright when they are in bud, but hang downwards, nodding in the breeze when fully open. The fragrant bell-shaped flowers stand upright when they are in bud, but hang downwards, nodding in the breeze when fully open; they may be violet-blue, white or even pink on rare occasions, and have cream-colored anthers. The blue ones are the most attractive, especially when planted in drifts under shrubs and trees, and in patches of grass. They are arranged in clusters of 4-16 on flower spikes which have drooping tips. The narrow leaves are deep green, and grow to 45 cm in length. In the UK, bluebells have been a protected species since 1981 and it is a criminal offence to remove the bulbs. The unusual specific part of the scientific name 'non-scripta' means 'unlettered', and distinguishes this species from the hyacinth.

Growing Tips

Bluebells are best planted in the autumn or in the green after the bulbs have flowered. They should be spaced nine to twelve inches apart and grow well on chalk or clay soil and under trees. Split existing bulbs when the leaves have died down and transplant to provide new drifts of colors. Avoid disturbance of the planting. Remove spent flowers to prevent self-seeding.

Common Problems

Bluebells need about a month of reasonably low temperatures to germinate. Without this the seed-coat will not crack open easily to germinate reliably. Also, bluebell seeds are tiny; hence they require a great deal of care and attention to get the seeds successfully germinated and to get the tiny seedlings established. They can be affected by virus diseases.