Bluebell
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Full description
The common Bluebell is one of our best known wild flowers and when in bloom en masse creates a uniquely British floral experience.
The plant stands between 30-40cm in height and produces a large head of up to 30 blue flowers. Although most commonly a woodland plant the bulb can also be found growing in bracken covered pastures in the uplands, in lowland hedge banks and on cliffs in the North and West. They are most abundant in acid soils of pH 3.5 to 5 and seldom recorded above pH 7.5.
Unlike the Spanish and hybrid bluebells, the native plant has narrow leaves with nodding flowers mostly down one side of the stem, and is scented. The bulbs we send out are already at least 6 years old but they can take a few more years to produce a strong flowering.
The flower exploits the light phase before the development of full leaf canopy. Shade in the summer months is important as it restricts competition from other species. The plant is characteristic of moist, freely drained sites.
Bluebells are a preferred nectar source for the Brimstone and Pearl-Bordered Fritillary butterflies.
