Hyacinthoides non-scripta aka English Bluebell

Taxonomy

Hyacinthoides non-scripta, also known as English bluebell, is a bulbous perennial plant found in Atlantic areas from north-western Spain to the British Isles. It is frequently used as a garden plant and is particularly associated with ancient woodlands, where it can create carpets of violet-blue flowers in "bluebell woods". This plant produces a nodding, one-sided inflorescence of 5-12 tubular, sweet-scented violet-blue flowers with strongly recurved tepals. It has 3-6 long, linear, basal leaves. The plant can reach a height of 40cm and has narrow, strap-shaped leaves. The erect stems arch at the top and bear fragrant, narrowly tubular white flowers. It is protected under UK law and in some other parts of its range. There is a related species called Hyacinthoides hispanica, which has been introduced to the British Isles and hybridizes with H. non-scripta to produce intermediates known as H. × massartiana.

Common names

English Bluebell, Common Bluebell, Wood Hyacinth

How to care for English Bluebell

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, English Bluebell is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

English Bluebell should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

English Bluebell loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

English Bluebell requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Common Bluebell is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the English Bluebell as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

English Bluebell’s native range is Western Europe from the Netherlands and Britain o Belgium and France.


More info:
Wikipedia