Planting Bluebell Bulbs 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.

Do bluebells grow in sun?

Bluebells thrive in moist, well-drained soil, ideally with plenty of leaf litter. Partial shade is best but they will also tolerate some sun.

Where is the best place to plant bluebells?

Bluebells are best planted in shady areas – around trees or underneath shrubs – where the cool conditions intensify the flower colour. Plant the bulbs 7.5cm (3in) deep, 10-15cm (4-6in) apart in autumn in well-prepared soil with lots of added bulky organic matter dug in.

What conditions do bluebells grow in?

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.

What month 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.

How to Propagate Bluebells

39 related questions found

Do bluebells come back every year?

Do bluebells come back every year? As a perennial plant, bluebells flower every year. Bluebell colonies take between 5-7 years so develop and can take some time to recover if damaged.

Can I dig up bluebells in my garden?

Cultural control. It is best to dig out bluebells while they are in leaf, as the bulbs are almost impossible to find when the plants are dormant: Loosen soil around the bulbs to a good depth and remove all the bulbs and underground parts.

Can you plant bluebells in February?

Bluebells can be planted in the spring as ready plants, or more economically as bulbs in the Autumn.

What time of year do bluebells bloom?

Bluebells usually flower from mid-April to late May, depending on the weather. If spring is mild they tend to bloom early.

How quickly do bluebells spread?

Bluebell colonies take a long time to establish - around 5-7 years from seed to flower. Bluebells can take years to recover after footfall damage.

Why are you not allowed to pick bluebells?

Threats and conservation

The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This means digging up the plant or bulb in the countryside is prohibited and landowners are prohibited from removing bluebells from their land to sell.

Can you move bluebells?

You can also transplant them 'In the Green', meaning when they're bearing leaves and flowers. Please do not dig them from wild areas though since one of the biggest threat to wild Bluebells is people digging them up for their gardens.

What grows well with bluebells?

Good companion plants for native bluebells are red campion (Silene dioica) and greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea).

What does a Spanish bluebell bulb look like?

The typical Spanish bluebell color is really a lavender color, with blue highlights. Blue Giant may be the cultivar that comes closest to being true blue. This spring-flowering bulb also comes in white, deep-lavender, and pink cultivars; for example: For white flowers: White City.

What is the life cycle of a Bluebell?

Bluebells are well adapted to life in woodlands. In the spring they flower before the surrounding trees come out in full leaf. This means that they complete their life cycle while light levels are high. Bluebells are able to grow quickly in the spring because they have an energy store in the form of a bulb.

When should I cut back my bluebells?

Pruning and caring for bluebells

Once leaves have turned yellow, cut them at their base. Don't cut them any earlier, since the plant needs to drain its leaves from all their nutrients to prepare for the following blooming cycle. Bluebells should normally propagate themselves naturally as years go by.

Do bluebells like sun or shade?

Light: As woodland plants, Virginia bluebells naturally thrive in partial to full shade. Soil: Moist soil, rich in organic matter is best for Virginia bluebells.

Are bluebells good for wildlife?

If you fancy planting bluebells in a shady part of your garden, try to pick the native variety. Not only will you help to prevent the spread of invasive, non-native species into the wider countryside, but you will also provide food and shelter for a range of our native insects, from bees to butterflies.

Are bluebells endangered?

Although not classified as endangered, bluebells are under threat from the illegal collection of their bulbs and loss of their ancient woodland habitat.

Can you move bluebells before flowering?

Bluebells particularly, are often bought "in the green" meaning as they are starting to produce greenery i.e. now and before flowering. This is an ideal time to move them.

When should I plant bluebell seeds?

English Bluebell seeds should be sown in autumn or early winter , either outside, where they are to flower, or in seed trays and covered lightly with compost.

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.

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.

Why are Spanish bluebells bad?

English and Spanish bluebells (and presumably the hybrids) are poisonous. They contain chemicals called glycosides, which are toxic for humans, dogs, horses, and cows. All parts of the plant are toxic. Eating any part of the plant can trigger nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a decrease in the heart rate.

Why are my bluebells turned white?

White Bluebells

“Very occasionally, within a population of bluebells, a genetic mutation may occur, which results in a white flowered bluebell. ... Bluebells are under threat from habitat destruction and hybridisation with non-native bluebells and can also be badly damaged by trampling.