How to Grow Bluebells

Bluebells. Known as Hyacinthoides or Virginia Bluebells, these flowers are great for naturalizing under deciduous trees or in mass plantings in the yard. Thriving in USDA Zones 2 to 8, the Bluebell has a mass of long leaves from which grows tall stems-ranging in height from 1 to 2 feet-with bell-shaped blossoms that bloom in early to mid spring. As delicate as these flowers look, they are not difficult to grow

Blue bell bulbs

Shovel or bulb digger

Compost or organic matter

Water

Select the area to plant the bluebell bulbs. They thrive best in partial shade or dappled sunlight; if they must receive light, they do best with a little morning sun and afternoon shade. These flowers can be planted under deciduous trees, or in borders, but do not do well when crowded by other flowers. Sow compost or organic matter into the soil to help retain moisture.

Plant the bluebell bulbs in late summer or early fall. Dig a hole 2 inches deep. Set the bulbs in a mass in the hole, with the flat side down and pointed end up, spacing no more than 3 inches apart. If you are planting white bluebells, handle carefully; the bulb is brittle and can be easily damaged. Carefully spread soil over the bulbs, gently tamping it down. Water to settle soil around the roots. Water moderately during the fall and winter, especially if planted in warmer temperatures.

Water the Bluebells moderately once the flower blooms. The flowering season of a bluebell is generally from April to May. They suffer if there is a sudden heat wave during the spring.

Remove faded blossoms. Leave the stems if you want the plants to reseed themselves. Keep the soil moist until the foliage dies down and them remove it at ground leve. The bulbs do best when left alone, but if they get overcrowed, they can be lifted and divided in late summer. However, replant immediately to avoid drying out the bulbs.

Bluebells have no specific pest or disease problems.