Spanish Bells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) also known as Bluebells or Woodland Bells are bulbous perennials that produce attractive bell shaped flowers. From the family Hyacinthaceae they are native to Portugal and Spain. Spanish bluebell is planted in the fall and typically blooms April to early May. It is a good choice for an extended display of spring flowers when earlier spring bulbs such as snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are long gone.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Hyacinthoides hispanica (syn. Endymion hispanicus or Scilla hispanica), the Spanish bluebell or wood hyacinth, is a spring-flowering bulbous perennial native to the Iberian Peninsula. It is one of around a dozen species in the genus Hyacinthoides, others including the common bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) in northwestern Europe, and the Italian bluebell (Hyacinthoides italica) further east in the Mediterranean region.
It is distinguished from the common bluebell by its paler and larger blue flowers, which are less pendulous and not all drooping to one side like the common bluebell; plus a more erect flower stem (raceme), broader leaves, blue anthers (where the common bluebell has creamy-white ones) and little or no scent compared to the strong fragrant scent of the northern species. Like Hyacinthoides non-scripta, both pink- and white-flowered forms occur.
All parts of the Spanish squill flower and plants are poisonous when ingested, causing discomfort. Dermal contact when handling the plant can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction.
Hyacinthoides hispanica is native to the western part of the Iberian Peninsula (except the extreme northwest) which includes Portugal and western Spain, but has naturalized and is cultivated in many other European countries, North America and Australia.
The Spanish bluebell was introduced in the United Kingdom. Since then, it has hybridised frequently with the native common bluebell and the resulting hybrids are regarded as invasive. The resulting hybrid Hyacinthoides × massartiana and the Spanish bluebell both produce highly fertile seed but it is generally the hybrid that invades areas of the native common bluebell. This has caused the common bluebell to be viewed as a threatened species.
The Spanish bluebell is also cultivated as a garden plant, and several named cultivars exist with flowers in various shades of white, pink and blue.
II. How to Grow and Care
Plant Spanish bluebell in the autumn and it will bloom in spring. Choose a spot that receives at least some sun in spring, at the time the plant emerges from the earth. This sunlight requirement is not usually challenging to meet because Spanish bluebell foliage appears before that of deciduous trees. Spanish bluebell flowers can be cut and brought indoors without injuring the plant.
After flowering is finished, allow the foliage to die back completely on its own. While its foliage is still green, the bulbs are taking in nutrients via photosynthesis and storing energy for next year’s blooms.
Sunlight
Spanish bluebell is best grown in full sun in cooler climates. Give it partial shade in warmer climates to avoid scorching.
Temperature and Humidity
Spanish bluebells are native to cool, shady, damp, well-drained woodlands. They are, however, quite hardy and able to adapt to different settings. It’s important to maintain some moisture and to avoid direct sun in hotter areas.
Watering
The plant has average water needs. If you live in a region where rainfall is plentiful in spring, you should not have to provide supplemental water. If you live in a drier region, make sure the soil does not completely dry out in spring.
Soil
Due to its preference for well-drained soil, it is helpful to grow the plant in somewhat sandy soil.
Fertilizing
Amend the soil with organic material such as peat moss, bark, manure, or compost at planting time and periodically thereafter. This will help to increase drainage, a key factor for successful growth.
Pruning
Remove spent flowers immediately to prevent the plant from self-seeding. As a great alternative, cut the flowers when in full bloom and bring them indoors to enjoy.
Propagation
Spanish bluebells propagate easily on their own by underground runners that form new bulbs. But you can also actively propagate them in a controlled way:
- Dig up the bulbs when the flowers are spent but the foliage is still robust.
- Separate the new bulbs from the old ones.
- Replant the new bulbs immediately in an appropriate place in the garden, at the same depth as the original plant.
How to Grow Spanish Bluebells From Seed
Growing Spanish bluebell from seed is exceedingly difficult because it can take up to two years to germinate and up to five years to create a bulb suitable for flowering. For this reason, propagating by division is recommended.
Potting and Repotting
When potting Spanish bluebells, keep in mind that they can grow up to 18 inches tall with the flower racemes at the top of the stem, so they need a container wide enough to handle the height without enabling the plant to topple over. Make sure the pot has excellent drainage. In a larger container, you can plant more than one bulb but keep them at least four inches apart to avoid a fight for nutrients. Plant them in well-draining soil at least a few inches deep, water them thoroughly, and give them partial sun. Dig up the bulbs and divide them every few years to ensure the plants continue to thrive.
Overwintering
If you are growing in pots, bring them indoors for the winter. A cool, dark spot like an unheated garage will help keep the plants at 60 degrees Fahrenheit or below for the necessary winter dormancy. If your bulbs are in the ground in their appropriate zones, a layer of mulch will help them get through the cold
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
This plant is very resistant to pests and plant diseases. Root rot, however, can be a problem if the bulbs are grown in anything less than well-draining soil.
Common Problems with Spanish Bluebell
Spanish bluebell can become invasive if kept unchecked; therefore, dig up the bulbs every few years and rehome the new bulbs that spring from the parent plant. They will readily hybridize with English bluebells, so don’t plant these two together. Because Spanish bluebells can irritate your hands, always wear gloves when working with them.
How to Get Spanish Bluebells to Bloom
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make with Spanish bluebell is cutting back the foliage too early. It can be tempting to cut back foliage after the flowers are spent to tidy up the garden. However, the plant needs the foliage to continue drawing energy during the last few weeks before dormancy so that it can bloom well the following season. To that end, leave the foliage alone until it has yellowed and withered, and then cut it back. This should result in more spectacular blooms next season.
III. Types of Spanish Bluebell
The common name is a misnomer, perhaps influenced by the similarity to the common bluebell, which has a better claim on having blue flowers. The typical Spanish bluebell color is really a lavender color, with blue highlights. ‘Blue Giant’ might be the cultivar that comes closest to being true blue.
This spring-flowering bulb also comes in other colors. For example:
- ‘White City’ offers white flowers
- ‘Excelsior’ blooms profusely with deep lavender flowers
- ‘Rosabella’ offers up vivid pink blooms
IV. Uses and Benefits
With so many varieties available, the Spanish Bluebells provides many choices of great flowering bulbs for your gardens.
The plants look incredible in both rock gardens and woodland gardens.
The lovely lavender color of the flowers adds a nice contrast to border fronts and wild/naturalized areas.
They are effectively successful when planted under deciduous trees or shade gardens around your home.
Grow these in pots or containers with other flowering bulbs from the Allium species, tulips, daffodils or others.
Also, grow them in large drifts in annual flower beds as fillers.
They make great cut flowers.
Find Where to Buy the Best Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica)
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