Hyacinthoides × massartiana
hybrid bluebell
Hybrid origin; parent species from western Europe and Iberia
Overview
Hyacinthoides x massartiana is a bulbous spring perennial reaching 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) wide, the fertile hybrid between the English bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta and the Spanish bluebell Hyacinthoides hispanica. Strap-shaped green leaves 0.5–1.5 inches (1–4 cm) wide emerge in late winter, followed in spring by upright stems bearing bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are intermediate between the parents: held more or less around the stem rather than on one side, pale to mid blue and also pink or white, with spreading rather than tightly rolled-back tips, and pale blue rather than cream pollen. Plants spread by offset bulbs and abundant seed, forming dense colonies in gardens, woodland, and along roadsides. The hybrid crosses readily with the native English bluebell, and this gene mixing is a recognized threat to wild English bluebell populations in Britain. Foliage dies back by early summer, leaving the bulbs dormant until the following winter. All parts contain compounds that are toxic to people and pets if eaten.
Native Range
Hyacinthoides x massartiana is a hybrid of garden origin, arising where the introduced Spanish bluebell met the English bluebell native to western Europe. It now occurs across Britain, Ireland, and parts of northwestern Europe, mostly near gardens and settlements. The hybrid has naturalized in woodlands and hedgerows well beyond where it was planted.Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland gardens, under shrubs, and in naturalized drifts for spring color, spaced 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) apart. It is used where a tough, spreading spring bulb is wanted and its spread can be tolerated. In regions with native bluebells it is kept to enclosed beds away from wild populations.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread4" - 6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in mid to late spring, mainly April to May, with bell-shaped flowers opening along the upper stem. Bloom lasts about two to three weeks. Bees visit the flowers, which set abundant seed. After flowering, the foliage yellows and dies back by early summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
blue, pink, or whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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
Hyacinthoides x massartiana grows in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil at pH 5.5–7.5 and tolerates a wide range of conditions. Bulbs are planted 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) deep in fall and need little care once established. The plant naturalizes freely and spreads by seed and offsets, so it colonizes lawns and beds where it is not contained. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–8 and untroubled by cold. Because the hybrid threatens native bluebells where they grow wild, planting near woodland with native populations is discouraged. Removing flowers before seed forms limits its spread.Pruning
Removing the flower stalks right after bloom, before seed sets, is the main way to limit spread in a garden. The leaves are left until they yellow and die back, since they refill the bulb for the next year. 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: 1 gallons