International Flower Bulb Centre
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Hyacinthoides hispanica 'Excelsior'
Plant Common Name
Excelsior Spanish Bluebell, Spanish Bluebell
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Spanish bluebell is a vigorous bulbous perennial notable for its clusters of bluebell-like flowers which arise in mid to late spring. It naturally inhabits woodlands and shaded, rocky areas in southwestern Europe and North Africa.
The broad, long, strap-shaped basal leaves of Spanish bluebell are lax, somewhat glossy and form dense clumps in spring. Its conical flower clusters are borne well above the leaves on upright flower stems. Each cluster comprises up to 15 erect or horizontal, broadly bell-shaped flowers with six petal-like segments. The segments do not recurve at the tips. The flowers are commonly blue, but there are also pink and white cultivars. It self-sows readily and also expands by bulb divisions, eventually forming a substantial group of plants that, when in bloom, makes a striking display of flowers.
Grow this hardy bulb in full sun to partial shade and fertile soil with average drainage. Spanish bluebell is a true ephemeral that becomes fully dormant from summer until the next spring. Plant the bulbs in fall and see that they have adequate moisture until they awaken in spring. A few plants will naturalize over time to create swaths of spring color. They are excellent for planting in wooded areas. The leaves often look ratty before they enter dormancy in early summer. Consider companion perennials, such as hardy geraniums, to mask them.
This species may also be listed under the synonymous names Scilla hispanica and Endymion hispanicus. It hybridizes readily with English bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, and plants sold under that name are often hybrids.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 10
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Sunset Zone
1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
10"-14" / 25.4cm - 35.6cm
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Width
4"-6" / 10.2cm - 15.2cm
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Eastern Europe, Northern Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Arching/Fountain-shaped
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Seasonal Interest
Spring
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Blue
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
