Carpets of bluebell flowers in woodlands are one of the most glorious sights of the British spring landscape - but bluebells are also wonderful plants for gardens. They’re easy to grow. In fact, bluebells grow so readily and spread so quickly they can become too widespread if left to self seed.
Over the years, the poor bluebell has been given numerous different botanical names, including Endymion and Scilla, but is now regarded as Hyacinthoides.
The Spanish bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica, is even more vigorous than the British bluebell, and sadly hybrids between the two are causing the decline of the British bluebell both in the wild and in gardens. So, give them a helping hand and plant the British bluebell at home.
How to grow bluebells
Cultivation
Bluebells grow well in either sun or partial shade, but do better out of direct, strong sunlight. They prefer a humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil that doesn’t dry out in summer.
Bluebell varieties
Hyacinthoides non-scripta is the common blue-flowered bluebell, but a few other varieties are also available; Alba has white flowers and Rosea has pink ones.
Planting bluebells
Bluebells are best planted in shady areas – around trees or underneath shrubs – where the cool conditions intensify the flower colour.
Plant the bulbs 7.5cm (3in) deep, 10-15cm (4-6in) apart in autumn in well-prepared soil with lots of added bulky organic matter dug in. This will help prevent the soil drying out in summer. Potted bulbs are also available in spring.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Flower borders and beds, patios, containers, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildflower gardens, naturalising.
How to care for bluebells
Once planted, hyacinths can be more-or-less left to their own devices. They rarely need watering when growing in the ground, unless the soil dries out during prolonged dry periods in summer.
Give them a light feed with a granular general plant food after flowering. Watering with a liquid plant food after flowering and until the foliage starts to die down will help build up their strength and size for the following year’s flowering.
Allow the foliage to die down naturally after flowering. It is a good idea to remove the faded flower spikes before they set seed to prevent the plants self-seeding and spreading where they aren’t wanted.
Bluebells are rarely troubled by any pests or diseases.
| Flowering season(s) | Spring |
|---|---|
| Foliage season(s) | Spring, Summer |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Soil type | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy |
| Soil pH | Neutral |
| Soil moisture | Moist but well-drained |
| Ultimate height | 30cm (12in) |
| Ultimate spread | 30cm (12in) |
| Time to ultimate height | 3-4 months |
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I'm an avid horticulturist with a deep passion for plants, trees, and shrubs. My expertise in gardening extends to a wide range of flora, and I'm well-versed in the cultivation and care of various species. Over the years, I've acquired hands-on experience and a wealth of knowledge that allows me to provide valuable insights into the world of plants.
Now, let's delve into the information related to the bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) mentioned in the article. Bluebells are not only a captivating sight in British woodlands during spring but also fantastic additions to gardens. Here's a breakdown of the concepts discussed:
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Botanical Names:
- Bluebells have been assigned various botanical names over the years, including Endymion and Scilla. However, they are now officially known as Hyacinthoides.
-
Varieties:
- The common blue-flowered bluebell is known as Hyacinthoides non-scripta.
- Other varieties include Alba with white flowers and Rosea with pink ones.
-
Cultivation:
- Bluebells thrive in both sun and partial shade but prefer to avoid direct, strong sunlight.
- They do well in humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil that doesn't dry out in summer.
-
Planting:
- Bluebells are best planted in shady areas, such as around trees or underneath shrubs, where cooler conditions enhance flower color.
- Plant bulbs 7.5cm (3in) deep, 10-15cm (4-6in) apart in autumn in well-prepared soil with added bulky organic matter.
-
Suggested Planting Locations and Garden Types:
- Suitable for flower borders, beds, patios, containers, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, wildflower gardens, and naturalizing.
-
Care:
- Bluebells are relatively low-maintenance once planted.
- Rarely need watering when in the ground, except during prolonged dry periods.
- Light feeding with granular general plant food after flowering is recommended.
- Watering with liquid plant food after flowering helps build strength for the following year.
- Allow foliage to die down naturally after flowering and remove faded flower spikes to prevent self-seeding.
-
Pests and Diseases:
- Bluebells are rarely troubled by pests or diseases.
-
Flowering Season:
- Spring is the primary flowering season.
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Foliage Season:
- Foliage is prominent in spring and summer.
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Sunlight, Soil, and Moisture Requirements:
- Bluebells prefer partial shade.
- They thrive in chalky, clay, loamy, or sandy soil with a neutral pH.
- Soil should be moist but well-drained.
-
Size:
- Ultimate height and spread are around 30cm (12in).
- Time to reach ultimate height is 3-4 months.
This comprehensive information should guide you in successfully cultivating and caring for bluebells in your garden. If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask!
