Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Moist woodland soil well enriched with organic matter.
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Position
Dappled shade, such as an opening in the woods.
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Frost tolerant
Good. Native English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are hardy to -20F (-30C).
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Feeding
Topdress with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring, when new growth appears.
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Companions
Ferns and primroses make lovely neighbors, but bluebells are often planted in large swaths for a natural look.
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Spacing
Single Plants: 3" (10cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 3" (10cm) with 3" (10cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Set out dormant bulbs in the fall, planting them 4 inches (10 cm) deep. Set out container-grown plants in spring. Plant in large groups.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Bluebells naturalize with a little encouragement. They are especially well suited to growing near beech trees. All plant parts are poisonous to pets and people.
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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.
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Troubleshooting
Bluebells have few problems with pests and diseases.
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