Bluebell Growing Guide

Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Bluebell

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous 

Soil

Moist woodland soil well enriched with organic matter.

Position

Dappled shade, such as an opening in the woods.

Frost tolerant

Good. Native English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are hardy to -20F (-30C).

Feeding

Topdress with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring, when new growth appears.

Companions

Ferns and primroses make lovely neighbors, but bluebells are often planted in large swaths for a natural look.

Spacing

Single Plants: 3" (10cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 3" (10cm) with 3" (10cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out dormant bulbs in the fall, planting them 4 inches (10 cm) deep. Set out container-grown plants in spring. Plant in large groups.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Bluebells naturalize with a little encouragement. They are especially well suited to growing near beech trees. All plant parts are poisonous to pets and people.

Harvesting

Cut bluebells to use in arrangements when half the bells are open. Allow flowers to ripen until they shed mature seed if you want the plants to increase in number.

Troubleshooting

Bluebells have few problems with pests and diseases.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Bluebell