Hyacinthoides Non Scripta (Bluebells)
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Commonly referred to as Bluebells, these magnificent blooms are also known as Wild Hyacinths Wood Bell, Fairy Flower and Bell Bottle but to name a few.
The rich violet-blue colouration of the blooms and honey dew scent attract butterflies and bees in late spring and are often seen naturalising in woodlands throughout the UK.
This bulbous perennial with linear leaves and erect stems bearing arching racemes of fragrant tubular flowers has an ultimate height of 30 to 40cm.
Bluebells enjoy moist conditions but need good drainage and perform well in shaded aspects of the garden and in woodland settings, particularly thriving in clay, chalk, loan and sandy soils. They can be grown in full sunlight but some of the characteristics may change.
Our Native English Bluebells have been certified and lend themselves to woodland projects, shaded areas of the garden and under trees.
Field grown English Bluebells are ideally used in naturalised areas, in grass land areas and in garden settings, while our cultivated stocks are perfect for beds, borders and container displays.
Flowering performance can be impacted upon in the first season as a result of varying planting depths, soil conditions, climate and position in the garden. Once established stocks tend to revert to regular growing patterns.
If planted to shallow or at variable depths the plants will show irregular growth. However, the bulbs will eventually elongate to find the correct level over a period of time.
Soil conditions can vary within a small area of your garden and in different parts of the country, so colour and habit can vary in the confines of a relatively small space.
While bluebells grown in dense shaded areas will arch towards light, those planted in the garden will tend to show more upright growth.
Hyacinthoides non scripta are very versatile and need little aftercare and will multiply over the years but avoid dry areas and ensure new plantings remain well watered. Always allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering and divide large clumps and replant in small grouplings.