Hyacinthoides non-scripta – Bluebell – UK Cultivated

The English Bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which means you can’t dig these up without the right license. They are an important part of the British country side drawing visitors into the woodlands to experience carpets of blue flowers every April.

The English bluebell is known as Hyacinthoides Non-Scripta with a host of common names, such as wild hyacinth, wood bell, bell bottle, cuckoo’s boots, wood hyacinth, lady’s nightcap and witches’ thimbles. The deep violet scented flowers with white anthers on delicate nodding stems are a must for woodland gardens. They are a rich violet colour with white anthers. The bells hang from one side of the stem which gives them the unique nodding form. Growing to about 20cm tall with thin bright green foliage. You can experience the scent from these flowers when they are planted in mass and fill the air.

How do I plant bluebell bulbs?

Plant dry bluebell bulbs in Autumn from September up to December. Don’t forget that we also sell ‘in the green’ plants in March which are a great way of ensuring success. They will grow in any soil but if you want them to naturalise plant them in a humus rich soil that is well drained and moist. This will be ideal for cultivating the young bulbs and seeds so they don’t dry out over summer. A semi shaded spot is best, if you imagine their natural home is amongst deciduous trees. They will be happy in the sun, just remember they are a fleshy bulb and can dry out.

We buy our bluebell bulbs from a local grower, they are the true form and harvested under license. We also sell bulbs cultivated in the Netherlands. These are grown on a much larger scale and are quite a bit cheaper. However, although very close, they don’t have the true characteristics of the English bluebell. There is plenty to read, but have a look here for a little more info.

We sell Bluebell bulbs in packs of 50. Please be aware that there are only limited numbers of these bulbs each year.