Hyacinthoides spp.
bluebells
Western Europe and northwestern Africa
Overview
Hyacinthoides spp. is a genus of about 11 species of spring-flowering bulbous perennials in the family Asparagaceae, native to western Europe and northwestern Africa. Plants grow from ovoid bulbs and produce a basal cluster of strap-shaped leaves 20-45 cm (8-18 in) long. Leafless flowering stems, or scapes, rise 20-50 cm (8-20 in) and carry one-sided or all-around racemes of nodding, bell-shaped flowers. Individual flowers are 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 in) long, blue-violet in most species, with white and pink forms. H. non-scripta, the English bluebell, has narrow, strongly scented flowers with curled tepal tips on a one-sided, arching stem; H. hispanica, the Spanish bluebell, has broader leaves and erect stems with flowers held all around and little scent. The two hybridize freely as H. x massartiana, which has displaced native populations in parts of Britain. Plants flower in mid- to late spring, then die back to dormant bulbs by early summer. Established colonies spread by bulb offsets and seed, carpeting woodland floors. The bulbs and foliage contain toxic glycosides.
Native Range
Native to western Europe and northwestern Africa, from the British Isles and the Iberian Peninsula to Morocco. H. non-scripta is concentrated in the Atlantic woodlands of Britain, Ireland, and western France. No Hyacinthoides spp. species is native to North America, though they are widely planted in temperate gardens.Suggested Uses
Planted in drifts under deciduous trees and shrubs for spring colour, and naturalized in woodland gardens and grass. Bulbs are used in mixed borders where summer dormancy is masked by later-emerging perennials.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 6"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in mid- to late spring, generally April to May, lasting two to three weeks per colony. The bell-shaped flowers open in sequence up the raceme. After flowering, foliage yellows and the plant returns to dormancy by early summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bluebells grow in part shade to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, reflecting their woodland origin. Bulbs are planted in autumn and tolerate winter cold to about -20 C (-4 F). Plants need moisture during spring growth but withstand summer dryness while dormant. Foliage is left to die back naturally so the bulb can rebuild reserves. In favourable conditions H. hispanica and the hybrid can spread aggressively and crowd out smaller plants.Pruning
Maintenance is limited to letting foliage wither fully before removal, which allows the bulb to store energy. Spent flower stems are cut to limit self-seeding where spread is unwanted. No other pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons