Plant these delicate lavender-blue spring bloomers under trees and shrubs where they will multiply prolifically.
They make delightful companions for early-blooming perennials and shrubs such as hellebore and azalea.
All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets.
They flourish in shady plantings alongside other spring-blooming bulbs.
Plant them on their own or in clumps or mix them with other spring-blooming perennials.
For a more natural look in a woodland setting, scatter the bulbs in small clumps with irregular spacing.
Because Spanish bluebells spread fast through rhizomes and by reseeding, they can take over a landscape.
Plant the bulbs 4 inches deep and 4 inches apart, with the pointed growing tip facing upwards.
While they tolerate all-day shade, they don’t tend to bloom as well.
Temperature and Humidity
Spanish bluebells are hardy bulbs.
In their native habitat, Spanish bluebells grow in cool, shady, damp, well-drained woodlands.
While they are adaptable to different growing conditions, they dont do well in hot climates.
High humidity during the summer usually does not affect them as the plants go dormant by midsummer.
Pruning
After they finish flowering, the foliage will begin to go yellow and die off.
At that point, you could remove it.
The only issue can be root rot in soil with poor drainage.
How to Propagate Spanish Bluebell
Spanish bluebells are propagated through division.
In the late summer or early fall, dig up the bulbs.
It helps to mark their exact locations after their bloom and before the foliage disappears.
Separate the overcrowded old and new bulbs.
Types of Spanish Bluebell
Excelsior Blue
Hyacinthoides hispanicaExcelsior is a cultivar with dainty blue flowers.
Dainty Maid Pink
Not all Spanish bluebells are blueHyacinthoides hispanica Dainty Maid has pink flowers.
White City
There is also a variety with snow-white flowers,Hyacinthoides hispanicaWhite City.
Companion Plants
Bleeding Heart
The old-fashionedbleeding heartis truly aneasy-to-grow perennial.
It is quick to pop up alongside spring bulbs and swiftly grow to full size.
Zone 4-9
Lungwort
This perennial with pretty spring blooms comes in a variety of colors.
These plants work well with other shade plants and add brightness to dark corners of the garden.
And, lastly, English bluebells have a stronger scent than Spanish bluebells.
Dig and move the bulbs in the fall.
You will likely have plenty of extra plant material for new locations.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Hyacinthoides hispanica.North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
WSU Clark County Extension.
Spanish Bluebells - Hyacinthoides hispanica - PNW Plants.
Accessed August 5, 2024. https://pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=606.
