Hyacinthoides hispanica
Spanish bluebell, Giant bluebell
Also known as Scilla hispanica, Scilla campanulata
- Height × spread
- 0.35m × 0.15m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a relative of the native British bluebell, some might say a much coarser form. It has broad upright flowering spikes with columnar clusters of bold, light blue, broad lipped tubular flowers, that, though bending their heads on the upright stalks are anything but demure in their affect. Once this has established itself in your garden it will thrust itself everywhere with great clumps of lush strappy leaves that are slippery if crushed underfoot. A small clump of flowers makes quite an impact and they provide good splashes of colour in May in front of shrubs which aren't performing, such as roses. Try them with lush flowered rhododendrons. They prefer sun but are tolerant and can take any soil that is well drained. This stands up to 35cm (14in) in height with a 15cm (6in) spread.
- Flower colour
- Blue
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.35m
- Spread
- 0.15m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
AutumnNow
Autumn - mid · Planting
Divide while dormant
Clumps of bulbs, corms or rhizomes can be divided when the plant is dormant. The divided bulbs or corms can immediately be replanted at a little distance from each other, or moved to other locations.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Trim dead flowers to prevent self-seeding
Note on self-seeding: If you do not want this plant to set seed it is necessary to promptly remove the spent flowers as they fade.
It's possible to carefully remove the seed heads, complete with seed, and then place them in areas where you would like new seedlings to grow.
Found in
More Hyacinthoides
Hyacinthoides hispanica
Spanish bluebell, Giant bluebell
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Bluebell, Wood hyacinth, Culverkeys, Ring o' bells, Wood bells, English bluebell, British bluebell
Hyacinthoides hispanica 'Queen of the Pinks'
Spanish bluebell, Giant bluebell
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Bluebell, Wood hyacinth, Culverkeys, Ring-o-bells, Wood bells, English bluebell, British bluebell