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Jesse Saylor
Liliaceae
Hyacinthoides hispanica
Spanish Bluebell
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.
9 - 1
4 - 10
1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
10"-14" / 25.4cm - 35.6cm
4"-6" / 10.2cm - 15.2cm
Spring, Late Spring
Southern Europe, Western Europe, Northern Africa
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam
Medium
Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring
Showy
White, Blue, Pink, Blue Violet
Green
No
Single
Glossy
Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
Sometimes
Yes
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