how to plant bluebells
- bulbs in the green (spring planting) Plant your bluebells as soon as they arrive. Choose an area of dappled shade, ideally under a deciduous tree.
- dry bulbs (autumn planting) For natural looking drifts of bluebell flowers, cast the bulbs across the planting area and plant them where they land.
- growing bluebells in a pot. ...
Can you plant bluebells in the fall?
Bluebells are best planted in fall to prepare for flowering in spring. You can purchase bulbs from your local nursery or potted plants to transplant into your garden. You can also purchase seeds to sow straight into the ground or in trays, but these plants will take several years to grow before flowering.
Can you grow bluebells from seed?
Grow bluebells in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. They’re particularly suited to growing beneath deciduous trees, which provide dappled shade in spring and deeper shade in summer. You’ll get the best results from planting bluebells in the green but it’s also possible to grow bluebells from seed.
How to plant English bluebell bulbs?
Look for an area where grass or shrubs are growing. Check for sure signs that plants thrive in the shaded locations so your English bluebell bulbs have a better chance of establishing root systems and growing into mature flowers. Look for grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation in the shaded areas you’re considering.
Do bluebells grow back every year?
Do bluebells flower every year? Bluebells are perennials which means they flower annually. They spend the spring soaking up energy from the sunshine and store the energy in their bulb over winter, waiting to bloom again.
Where do bluebells grow best?
Bluebells thrive in moist, well-drained soil, ideally with plenty of leaf litter. Partial shade is best but they will also tolerate some sun.
How long do bluebells take to grow from bulbs?
4-5 yearsHow to grow bluebells in your garden. It's quicker to start with bulbs since seeds can take 4-5 years to reach flowering size. You can buy bulbs either in spring 'in the green' (during active growth) when it is believed they are more likely to establish successfully, or as dry bulbs at other times of the year.
Do bluebells spread?
Bluebells can spread rapidly. They seed freely and often hybridize when grown together. The bulbs can also persist in garden compost heaps.
What time of year do you plant bluebells?
autumnWhen do you plant bluebell bulbs? The perfect time to plant bluebell bulbs is in the early autumn (September/October time). Plant bulbs at least 10cm deep and 10cm apart, and make sure that the pointed end is facing upwards.
Do you cut bluebells down after flowering?
Allow the foliage to die down naturally after flowering. It is a good idea to remove the faded flower spikes before they set seed to prevent the plants self-seeding and spreading where they aren't wanted. Bluebells are rarely troubled by any pests or diseases.
Should I deadhead bluebells?
If you leave them a bit longer the leaves will have time to fatten up the bulbs for next year. The longer you can stand leaving the leaves in place, the better your bluebell flowers will be next year. You can take the dead flower heads off though if you like.
Are bluebells annual or perennial?
Bluebells are a perennial and, as such, are usually grown from a bulb, although seeds are available. They've been spotted growing in shady areas, such as woodlands, under trees, under bracken, and even near sea cliffs. While they are common in the British Isles, they do not grow in all places in Britain.
Are bluebells poisonous to dogs?
Bluebells. Bluebell plants and bulbs contain 'scillarens', chemicals that reduce the heart rate. This can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and disorientation in dogs.
Is it illegal to dig up bluebells?
Since 1998, through the listing of the native bluebell on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), it has been illegal for anyone to collect native bluebells from the wild for sale.
Are bluebells weeds or flowers?
English and Spanish bluebells may seem like the novice gardener's dream: a beautiful flower, easy to grow, and willing to spread and fill in bare spots of land. Unfortunately, Spanish bluebells are so eager to spread, they're often considered weeds.
Can you get seeds from bluebells?
The flowers of the bluebell are at their best in late April and early May. When the flowers die, green seed pods are formed. By July these will be dry and brown and full of small black seeds.
What can I plant next to bluebells?
Good companion plants for native bluebells are red campion (Silene dioica) and greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea).
Where do bluebells grow in garden?
Choose an area of dappled shade, ideally under a deciduous tree. Plant your bluebells at the level that they were planted before they were lifted, which you'll see from where the leaves turn white. This will be at a depth of about 10cm (4in). Space them about 10cm (4in) apart.
Are bluebells poisonous to dogs?
Bluebells. Bluebell plants and bulbs contain 'scillarens', chemicals that reduce the heart rate. This can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and disorientation in dogs.
Can you plant snowdrops and bluebells together?
A nice mixture of aconites and snowdrops growing in perfect harmony. Many people prefer to plant snowdrops, aconites and bluebells in full leaf, i.e." in the green".
What type of soil do bluebells like?
where to grow bluebells. Soil type: Bluebells can cope with most soils, but prefer a moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Add plenty of well-rotted manure, leaf mould or garden compost prior to planting.
How long does it take for bluebells to grow?
Bluebell seeds can take up to 6 months to germinate and will need a further year or two before they can be planted out while dormant. They take about 4 to 5 years to reach flowering.
How to reduce bluebells?
You can lift bluebell bulbs with a garden fork in summer to reduce their numbers. You can also deadhead the flowers before they drop their seed.
What causes bluebells to turn brown?
bluebell rust. Bluebell rust is a fungal disease that can affect bluebells. The main symptom is brown and yellow spots made up of pustules on the leaves, which can lead to a lack of plant vigour. Remove any affected leaves as soon as you spot them.
When do bluebells bloom?
Bluebells flower from late April to May, and those classic nodding flowers are full ...
Can bluebells grow in a pot?
growing bluebells in a pot. Bluebells can also be planted in containers in good-quality, well-drained soil in a shady position. Ensure there are adequate draining holes in the pot and plant as per the instructions for green and dry bulbs.
Is a white flowered bluebell a genetic mutation?
White flowered English bluebells are a genetic mutation of the bulb and very rare, while white flowered Spanish bluebells are a common variety.
How long does it take for bluebells to grow?
Learn more... English bluebells are an iconic wildflower that grows to form beautiful blue carpets of flowers over a landscape. Growing them from seed can take up to 5 years until they’re mature enough to grow flowers, but you can plant bulbs and have flowering size plants within 1-2 years. It’s also really easy to do.
What to do if your nursery doesn't have English bluebells?
Planting Tip: If your local nursery doesn’t carry English bluebells, ask them for a supplier that they recommend.
Why are my bluebells dry?
If the soil in an area is damp, but the surrounding soil is dry, it’s a sign of poor drainage. Tip: If your soil has poor drainage, try fixing it before you plant your English bluebell bulbs so they can thrive and aren’t at risk of dry rotting whenever it rains.
How to tell if a bluebell is Spanish or English?
If you’re purchasing your English bluebell bulbs from a garden store, nursery, or directly from a grower, check the mature plant to make sure they’re English bluebells and not Spanish bluebells. Look for a stem that curves at the top and flowers that hang together on 1 side to identify English bluebells.
What to do if your bulbs arrive damaged?
If you’re ordering your bulbs and they arrive damaged, contact the supplier about replacing them or refunding your money.
How long do bluebells live in the shade?
English bluebells thrive in partial or full shade, so look for areas in your yard or garden that are in the shade for at least 10 hours during the day. Look for areas beneath trees so they’re not exposed to direct sunlight, which can kill the delicate leaves of the bluebells.
How to identify Spanish bluebells?
You can identify Spanish bluebells by their straight stems and flowers clustered around the top that don’t droop.
How to grow bluebells in grass?
Enriching soil with leaf mould, manure or garden compost is often beneficial. Bluebells also thrive when planted in grass, provided those areas are not mown until the leaves have fully died back each year.
How to spread bluebells?
If you want to help your bluebells spread, lift and divide bulbs after flowering. If your bluebells thrive, spreading will also happen naturally via bulb division and seed.
How long does it take for bluebells to grow?
How to grow bluebells in your garden. It’s quicker to start with bulbs since seeds can take 4-5 years to reach flowering size. You can buy bulbs either in spring ‘in the green’ (during active growth) when it is believed they are more likely to establish successfully, or as dry bulbs at other times of the year.
What does bluebell flower look like?
If you’re buying plants that are in flower take a close look. The flowers of native bluebells are a vivid violet-blue colour and the arching stem of flowers is held on one side. See our identification tips for more help on what they look like.
What does it mean when you stumble upon a bluebell?
If you stumble upon that familiar, yet magical, blue carpet of flowers, it may be also be a sign that you are in a precious ancient woodland.
When do bluebells bloom?
They're easy to grow so you can recreate that amazing woodland bluebell carpet experience in miniature. You'll get a welcome splash of colour in April and May. Nectar-seeking insects like bees will love the early food source.
Do bluebells like shade?
If we take a cue from their natural habitat it will be no surprise to learn that bluebells thrive in partial shade, under deciduous trees or shrubs and need moist but well-drained soil. I personally think they are at their most stunning when planted under silver birch trees, creating a ‘woodland in miniature’.
How to propagate English bluebells?
English bluebells are easily propagated by bulb division. Divide and transplant clumps after flowering. To propagate by seed, keep an eye out for seed pods that form where the flowers once were after the bloom period. Sow ripe seeds in pots under a cold frame. Maintain shade and do not let the soil dry out completely.
Where do bluebells grow?
Back to Top. The English bluebell ( Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is a perennial wildflower bulb. Thriving best in their native British Isles, they are also widespread throughout Europe and North America.
How to grow a sage bulb?
Work two to four inches of organic matter into the soil. Use a trowel to loosen the soil. Remove any weeds. Dig a hole about four inches deep or twice as deep as the bulb's length. Set the bulb vertically, the pointed end facing upwards. In groups of five or more, space them three to six inches apart.
How to grow hyacinthoides?
Hyacinthoides can also be grown in containers. Find a pot with good drainage holes. Fill with high-quality compost, organic matter, and grit.
How long does it take for a seed to grow?
Sow ripe seeds in pots under a cold frame. Maintain shade and do not let the soil dry out completely. Note that it takes at least five years for a seed to develop into a bulb.
Do bluebells like full sun?
English bluebells prefer partial shade and are ideal for planting beneath deciduous trees. They will tolerate full shade or full sun.
Who is the quarantined gardener in Lehigh Valley?
Sienna Mae Heath is The Quarantined Gardener: Leading the Lehigh Valley to Victory Gardens in 2020. She plants food and flowers in her native Zone 6B.
What type of soil do bluebells like?
The best soil is loam that is rich in organic matter, but the plants will also grow well in clay soil that has been lightly amended with compost. Bluebells can grow in full sun in coastal gardens, but prefer partially shady conditions elsewhere.
How to care for bluebell bulbs?
Put on gloves and safety goggles before handling bluebell bulbs. All parts of the plant and bulb are toxic and may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, according to the North Carolina Extension. Plant the bulbs to a depth that is four times the size of the bulb.
How long do bluebells last in the refrigerator?
If it is fall or winter, store the bulbs in a cold place, such as an unheated garage or the refrigerator, for three to four months. As soon as you can work the soil in late winter or early spring, plant your bluebells. The bluebells should still bloom, but not as profusely as fall-planted ...
What are the most common bluebells?
Two of the most common bluebell species are the Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) and English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8 and 5 through 7, respectively.
Can you plant snowdrops in a garden?
Scattering the bulbs across a garden bed creates a more natural look than lining them up in rows. Purchase bluebell bulbs in bulk when planting a large garden or mixing with other bulb species for a natural look. Planting snowdrop bulbs (Galanthus spp.) at the same time makes it easy to design a blue and white bulb garden. Snowdrops are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.
What is the color of the Virginia bluebells?
Virginia Bluebells ring in spring. The Mertensia genus displays pink buds that open to beautiful blue, trumpet shaped blooms. Leaves are rounded and smooth, ranging from grey-green to blue-green. What makes them truly special is their tight bell clusters attract the new year’s first buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies.
How to grow a sage plant?
Establish strong roots with consistent yet moderate watering. Imagine how the roots soak up the water, not drown in it. Keep the soil moist (not soggy) especially during the first season when the plants are getting established.
How to propagate a rhizome?
You can propagate by seed or by divisions. Dig up and carefully cut the rhizomes apart. Like other rhizomes and bulbs, they need to dry before replanting. Only move their long taproots in the fall or early spring when the plants are dormant.
Do Virginia bluebells need water?
Virginia Bluebells are happy in partial to full shade. Welcomed by the morning sun, they will continue to flower but will require more water. These bell blooms enjoy some dappled sunlight beneath an old tree. Here, they make good companions for shade-loving Solomon’s Seal, hosta, and ferns, which offer an array of lush green foliage. Their blues contrast softly with pink lamium groundcover and astilbe.
Can bluebells grow in shade?
Place in part shade so that the bluebells, and the daffodils if you so choose, can thrive in part shade. Both the bells and daffodils are deer and rabbit resistant—plant these beauties with peace of mind in winter and enjoy the show in spring. Read More.
Can dogs eat Virginia bluebells?
According to the ASPCA, Virginia Bluebells are non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Still, Vital Pet Health and Blue Cross for Pets in the U.K. caution our canine friends to avoid this popular plant in the British woodlands. Dogs tend to nibble on the bluebells on walks and the bulb may cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Who is the quarantined gardener in Lehigh Valley?
Sienna Mae Heath is The Quarantined Gardener: Leading the Lehigh Valley to Victory Gardens in 2020. She plants food and flowers in her native Zone 6B.
How to increase bluebells in garden?
Another way of increasing the number of bluebells in your garden is to leave the stems on after the plant has finished flowering and collect the ripe seeds later in the year – sowing them immediately in compost.
When do bluebells bloom?
A guide to growing bluebells in your garden. The English bluebell is a popular pick, with the dainty, blue, nodding flowers that bloom in spring. Their presence brings a magical woodland feeling to the area. Find out how to grow bluebells in your garden best.
How to make a naturalistic flower?
To create that naturalistic look, plant small clumps together, at irregular intervals. Throw the bulbs randomly and plant them where they land for random positioning.
Do bluebells like full sun?
Bluebells are often seen growing in partial shade under trees, but are actually what is known as woodland edge plants and can tolerate full sun or full shade in a well-drained soil. Well-suited to growing beneath deciduous trees, they will get the shade in spring and summer when the trees are in full leaf, and sun in the cooler months when ...
Can bluebells grow in a garden?
Find out how to grow bluebells in your garden best. The English bluebell, or Hyacinthoides non-scripta has recently hybridised with Hyacinthoides hispanica (Spanish bluebell). This mix has led to more vigorous growth than the native type which could lead to the English bluebell dying out eventually.
