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Hyacinthoides non-scripta
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

bluebell

A vigorous, clump-forming bulbous perennial about 20-40cm tall, with linear, glossy dark green leaves to 45cm long, and erect stems bearing arching racemes of fragrant, narrowly tubular, mid-blue to violet-blue, or occasionally white, flowers in spring

Other common names
bell bottle
bluebottle
see morecalver keys
common English bluebell
cover keys
crake feet
crow bells
crow leek
cuckooflower
culver keys
dog leek
dog's leek
English bluebell
fairy flower
harebell
single gussies
spreading bluebell
squill
wild hyacinth
wood bells
Synonyms
Endymion nutans
Scilla non-scripta
see moreEndymion nonscriptus
Scilla nutans
Agraphis nutans

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue White Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Hyacinthoides are bulbous perennials with linear to strap-shaped leaves and bell-shaped or star-shaped blue, violet or white flowers in spring

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant 8cm deep in autumn in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that does not dry out; spreads rapidly and has the potential to become a nuisance. See bluebells for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame when ripe, keep shaded and do not allow to dry out. Alternatively remove offsets in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Ground cover
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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