Bluebell - Hyacinthoides non-scripta

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Bluebell - Hyacinthoides non-scripta
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

Bluebells grow from bulbs, the long, glossy strap-like leaves appearing first. These are followed by the flower stems, with up to twenty bell-shaped, violet-blue, lightly scented flowers which provide food for bees. Bluebells are found in woodlands and shady banks, and, near the west coast, on sea-cliffs and under bracken. Bluebells are sensitive to grazing, and prefer well-drained but moist soils. In the right conditions they can completely dominate the woodland floor in spring. Plant bluebells in swathes in a flower border, under trees, or in an orchard or lawn. They look particularly attractive when planted amongst the uncurling fronds of ferns or with hostas or, for a more colourful display, with drifts of red campion, which come into flower as the bluebells are finishing.

When buying bluebells, ensure that the bulbs are from a legitimate supplier, as vast numbers of bluebell bulbs are stripped illegally from the wild every year. Moreover, some plants sold as bluebells are hybrid varieties, crossed with the Spanish bluebell, which have a far less rich colour and are less graceful in habit. Hybrid bluebells are apt to escape into the wild, and, being partly fertile, may interbreed with native bluebells. This is much to be regretted as the native bluebell is more abundant in England than anywhere else in the world. Plants found on road verges and waste places away from woods are more likely to be the hybrid than the native bluebell.

Animals

Bees and wasps, Greater bulb fly

Foliage	Green
Flower	Blue, April to June
Moisture	(Average)
Sunlight	(Shade)
Origin	Native