Spanish Bluebells Are An Exciting Spring Bloomer
Spanish bluebells are a plant native to Spain, Portugal, and North Africa. It is also known as wood hyacinth, wild hyacinth, and Portuguese bluebell. This plant has an erect flower stalk that reaches up to 18 inches in height. The flower stem typically has 12-15 hanging bell-shaped flowers. The flowers come in bluish-lavender, pink, or white. Its leaves are narrow with pointed tips. These flowers bloom from April to early May.
The plant is winter hardy and its beauty is unfailing. Given enough space, the plant will readily multiply. This beautiful wildflower is found in many of Spain’s woodland areas. The plant is used to add spring color at the edge of a woodland, in rock gardens, in borders, flower beds, or containers.
Spanish bluebells are different than the English bluebells as they have blue anthers rather than white ones. The Spanish variety blooms later are taller and their flowers develop from all sides of the stem. English bluebells are fragrant and the Spanish bluebell is not. Even though they are not fragrant they do a great job of attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Spanish bluebell bulbs are planted in the fall in USDA zones 3-9. Look for a location with full sun. The plant prefers well-drained soil. Plant the bulbs two inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart from each other. If you are planting more than one row, space them four feet apart.
After the plant has completed blooming in the spring, leave the foliage and still water the plant regularly. The leaves continue to nourish the bulbs. The leaves begin to die by the summer as the plant starts to rest. When this occurs, you can remove the foliage. At this time, the bulbs will go dormant for months until the next growth cycle comes along.
