Family: Hyacinthaceae
Common Name: Bluebell

These bulbous plants from Europe and north-western Africa are grown around the world and look very pretty in borders or rock gardens. They are probably seen at their best when allowed to naturalize under deciduous trees. They have long leaves growing from the base and attractively perfumed blue, white and pink, bell-shaped, spring flowers. The blue is the most commonly seen and is the most vigorous grower.

Species

H. hispanicus (Synonym: Endymion hispan­icus), Spanish bluebell, is the most widely grown species in warm to mild areas. It has strap-like leaves that may reach 50 cm (20 in) long and blue flowers. There are cultivars with white or pink flowers, while 'Excelsior' has pale violet flowers striped in blue.

H. non-scripta (Synonym: Endymion non-scriptus), English blue-bell, flowers right through the spring and, in cool climates, into the early summer. It has the same strappy, green foliage to about 40 cm (16 in) long, and produces nodding, blue-violet flowers. Cultivars are available with pink or white flowers.

Cultivation

Bluebells grow best in partial shade in a well-drained soil in a natural setting. Plant bulbs 10 cm (4 in) deep in autumn. Propagate by division of the bulbs as the clumps become larger. Water regularly while the plants are in active growth.

Climate

Moist and cool. Zone 5.