English Bluebell
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Also known as
Bluebell, Harebell, Wood-Hyacinth, Squill, Native Bluebell
Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Common Bluebell) by MichaelMaggs (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H4
RHS hardiness
-10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
Max | ||
50cm | Min | 10cm |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance


More images of English Bluebell
English Bluebell Overview
Hyacinthoides non-scripta is a bulbous perennial species from the Asparagaceae family, commonly known by the names Bluebell or English Bluebell. It produces violet-blue, beautiful arching flowers and it is found throughout western Europe. Known for inhabiting ancient woodlands, English Bluebells form large carpets of flowers often referred to as bluebell woods throughout the British isles. Careful not to confuse this plant with the related Spanish Bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica. You can easily tell the difference between these plants by looking at the flowers. English Bluebell flowers tend to be produced on one side wherahs Spanish bluebell flowers appear facing all directions. The English Bluebell has become a common sight among cottage gardens, wild meadows and woodland plantings. With their broad light tolerance and ability to multiply quickly they have become a favoured bulb bringing swaithes of colour to gardens towards the end of spring.
Common problems with English Bluebell
Generally pest and disease free, although a host for the parasitic fungus Uromyces muscari which can cause bluebell rust.
How to harvest English Bluebell
Seed can be harvested from dry flower heads in mid to late summer and ready to germinate the following Autumn.
How to propagate English Bluebell
Seed
Seed can be collected when ripe in late summer and can be sown that Autumn on the soil surface, keeping moist.
Tubers
Bulbs can be easily obtained and should be planted at twice their own depth. To create a naturalistic appearance the bulbs are often scattered prior to planting.
Division
You should divide in late summer when clumps become crowded.
Special features of English Bluebell
Attractive flowers
Famously known for forming large, dramatic carpets of violet-blue flowers.
Attracts useful insects
Rich in pollen and nectar, this sweet smelling flower attracts bees, insects and butterflies.
Other uses of English Bluebell
Grown for its flowers.