The bluebell heralds spring with dainty bell-shaped blossoms in blue, white or pink. Are you wondering how the distinctive bulb flower unfolds its floral magic in shady locations? Then discover answers here as if Mother Nature had formulated them.
Plant bluebells correctly
In September, the time window opens to plant the flower bulbs of bluebells to plant. Choose a semi-shady to shady and cool location with well-drained garden soil. There you make small pits at a distance of 10-12 cm. For an Atlantic bluebell the planting depth is 6-8 cm, while the larger bulbs of the Spanish bluebell are planted 8-10 cm deep. Loosen up too much clay with a handful of sand. Should your garden be infested with voles, we recommend planting each cluster of bulbs in the shelter of a fine-mesh wire basket.
care tips
If the location meets the most important criteria and the planting is carried out professionally, the bluebell requires little horticultural attention. How to properly care for the herald of spring:
- Water when dry, preferably alternating with tap water and rainwater
- Fertilize organically every 2 weeks during the growing and flowering period
- Trim wilted flowers for rebloom
- Cut off the heads at the end of the flowering period
- Only cut off the foliage close to the ground when it has completely yellowed
In rough locations, the bluebell is grateful for a light winter protection. Cover the planting site with a layer of leaves and needles to remove them in February/March.
Which location is suitable?
The bluebell is popular throughout Europe, not least thanks to its ability to embellish shaded niches in the garden with floral splendour. The full bell-shaped blossoms unfold particularly beautifully in a semi-shady to shady location. In combination with humus-rich, fresh, moist and well-drained soil, the flower develops enchanting carpets of flowers over the years.
The right planting distance
In small tuffs, the bluebell is particularly decorative. Arrange the bulbs in small groups 10-12 cm apart. In this way, you give each individual specimen enough freedom to develop unhindered without unwanted gaps in appearance.
What soil does the plant need?
As a classic onion bloomer, the Bell Squill primarily requires a well-drained soil without the risk of waterlogging. If the soil is structured humus and fresh-moist at the same time, the spring flower achieves its optimum from the start.
What is the best planting time?
The charming bluebell will move into your garden as a bulb flower. The planting season for these ornamental plants extends from the beginning of September into November. After the first frost, the window for planting closes, despite what the calendar says.
When is flowering time?
The bluebell presents us with two species that bloom at different times. The Atlantic bluebell - also known as the forest hyacinth - presents us with its nodding flower bells from April to May. The Spanish bluebell - also known as bell squill - delights us with its floral display from May to June.
Cut rabbit bells correctly
They always lure out new bells when you clean out withered flowers. When the flowering period inevitably comes to an end, cut off all flower heads. In this way, the bluebell does not invest all its energy in the exhausting growth of seed heads. As a result, wait until all the foliage has been drawn in and has yellowed. Only then cut off the withered leaves close to the ground.
Pour rabbit bells
The soil does not dry out so quickly in a cool, semi-shady location; however, we recommend monitoring soil moisture levels during the flowering period Eye to keep. If the soil surface feels dry, water moderately. Ideally, you should use tap water and collected rainwater alternately so that the lime content in the soil does not get out of hand. Outside the growth and flowering period, the natural rainfall covers the water requirement.
Fertilize Harebells properly
The bell squill does not make any grandiose demands on the nutrient supply. If you supply the flower with sifted compost and horn shavings every 14 days when it starts to sprout, the need is covered. At the end of the flowering period, stop the fertilizer application so that the bulbs go into their summer dormant mode.
hibernate
If the location is under deciduous trees, leave the fallen leaves in autumn as natural protection against frost and permanent moisture. In rough locations, spread out a few pine fronds over the bluebells. Otherwise, the onion flower is very hardy and drives out again and again over many years. After cutting back close to the ground, put the spring bloomers in a pot or balcony box in a frost-free, not too dark winter quarters.
Multiply bluebells
As a bulb flower, the bluebell produces vital offspring every year on its own. This is how the fascinating carpets of flowers are created, which attract legions of pilgrims every year in the famous garden of Wisley in England. You can let nature take its course or use this process for targeted propagation. How to do it:
- Dig up the bulb in September/October
- Using a sharp, disinfected knife, cut off the easily recognizable daughter onions
- At the new location immediately 6-8 cm or Plant 8-10 cm deep in the ground and water
On the other hand, it is more complicated and complex sowing. Since these are cold germs, stratification is required to break the germination inhibition. In addition, several years pass before a seedling-propagated bluebell blooms for the first time.
Is Harebell Poisonous?
The cultivation of bluebells is only suitable to a limited extent for the family garden. Due to the content of toxic saponins and other ingredients, the spring flower is classified as questionable. Skin contact with the plant sap can lead to allergic reactions. The consumption of seeds and onions has dire consequences, as there is a risk of symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea and tachycardia.
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trivia
Where a sea of blossoms made of bluebells spreads out in the spring forest, the hiker's eye can delight in it. However, picking or removing forest hyacinths from wild stocks is strictly prohibited. Hyacinthoides are under nature protection in Germany because they are threatened with extinction.
Beautiful varieties
- Blue Bell: Blue-purple nodding bells adorn green stems above lanceolate foliage; Growth height 20-30 cm
- White Triumphator: White-flowering variety that harmonises beautifully with blue bluebells; Growth height 20-30 cm
- Excelsior: Distinctive garden bluebell with blue to dark blue flowers in April and May; Growth height 30-40 cm
- Blue Queen: Impresses with lavender-blue flowers well into June; Growth height 25-35 cm
- Alba: Atlantic bluebell with white flowers and a robust constitution: growth height 25-40 cm
- Rose Queen: Royal variety with delicate pink flower bells, suitable for cut flowers; Growth height 30-45 cm
