Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Bluebell.
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Pronounced hy-ah-sin-THOY-deez non-SKRIP-tuh
Also known as Bluebell, Common or English Bluebell, English bluebell, Mountain Bluebell, Wild Hyacinth
The bluebell is a charming woodland perennial that carpets forest floors with nodding, violet blue flowers in spring. It grows from a bulb and prefers cool, shaded environments. These plants are a classic sign of spring in many temperate regions.
At a glance
- Care level
- Easy
- Plant type
- Bulbous perennial
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Indoor light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Every 7 to 14 days
- Mature size
- 12 to 18 inches
- Growth rate
- Medium
Care
Plant your bulbs in rich, well draining soil during the autumn months. Keep the soil consistently moist while the plant is actively growing, but allow it to dry out during the summer dormancy. Watch for yellowing leaves as the plant prepares to go dormant.
- Watering
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the active growing season.
- Feeding
- Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once in early spring as new growth emerges.
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage only after it has turned yellow and withered naturally.
- Repotting
- Divide overcrowded clumps every few years during the dormant summer period.
- Soil
- Humus rich, moist, well draining soil
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly acidic
Safety
- Pets
- This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
How to identify it
- Nodding, bell shaped violet blue flowers
- Long, narrow, strap like green leaves
- Flowers arranged on one side of stem
- Sweetly scented floral fragrance
Science
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Hyacinthoides
- Order
- Asparagales
- Class
- Liliopsida
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Also in
Is your bluebell looking unwell?
This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.
This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.