Bluebell Growing Guide

Hyacinthoides non-scripta

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 -30C (-20F).

Feeding

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

Spacing

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

Sow and Plant

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

Notes

Bluebells naturalise 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.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Bluebell

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail