Bluebells are wildflower that is known for its clumping and flowering bell-like nodding flowers that are vibrant shades of purple and blue. Bluebell flowers are typically found in woodland areas and they are well-known to add an accent of blue, purple indigo and lilac shades to landscapes in the garden. Bluebells that grow low in the ground begin to bloom in the spring, and can last through the middle of summer.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to identify different kinds of bluebells. Photos and descriptions of the various bluebell varieties will help you understand and admire how beautiful these beautiful and vibrant flowers.
When Do Bluebells Bloom?
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Bluebells bloom typically during the late season of spring usually from April to early May according to the location and climate. The spouting ground cover plants produce a beautiful carpet of blue colors in forests. Bluebells usually signal the start of spring.
Do Bluebells Flower Every Year?
Bluebells bloom every year. They are perennial meaning that their lifespan can last for a long time. When they bloom in the late spring the plants die and their bulbs remain inactive underground until the following spring when they emerge and begin to bloom again. This makes them a secure and low-maintenance plant for both natural and landscape setting.
How to Identify Bluebells
Bluebells can be easily identified by their gracefully arched stems that have bell-shaped downward-facing violet-blue flowers. The stems that flower, with their delicately fragrant, drooping flowers can grow from between 12″ to 24″ (30 to 60 centimeters) tall. The leaves of bluebells are strap-shaped and form clumps of flowers.
Different Types of Bluebell Flowers
Let’s take a closer look at the different kinds of bluebells, native and non-native to help you identify them.
1. Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides Hispanica)
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Spanish bluebells are gorgeous bell-shaped, nodding, brightly colored flowers that bloom in the spring. The vigorous perennial that grows low has dangling bell flowers forming on the top of the upright stems. The plant that clumps produces leaves of glossy green linear, grass-like leaves.
Spanish bluebells return every year, covering the woodland floors and open spaces in purple-blue carpeting. The blooms grow from between 6″ to 24″ (15 to 60 centimeters) in height and width. This non-native, low-maintenance flower also blossoms with shades of white and pink to add an element of color to the landscapes that are shaded.
Despite their appealing appeal, Spanish bluebells can become invaders throughout North America. They spread by self-seeding and large underground roots. They are however great wildflowers for borders, understory planting and rock gardens, if they are maintained in check. They are hardy and can withstand extreme cold and heat and are appropriate for all climates.
Spanish bluebells can be used for cultivation in USDA zones 3-8 in direct sun, partial shade or full shade.
2. Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia Virginica)
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Virginia bluebells are stunning spring bloomers that have trumpet-shaped blue-violet blooms that nod on upright stems. Virginia bluebells are native wildflowers of North America. The beautiful blossoms appear from pink buds, then turn pale to blue sky, however, sometimes they are pink and
Virginia bluebells can grow from in a range of 12″ to 24″ (30 – 60 centimeters) in height and width. The perennials that bloom in spring thrive in shady places with well-drained and moist soil. Bluebell blooms last long in spring and continue to bloom until the beginning of summer, when the plant fades back to the ground, only to reappear the next year.
Virginia bluebells are great for planting understory as well as woodlands shaded borders, or planting in masses in the vicinity of trees and shrubs. The beautiful blue or purple flowers and vibrant green foliage flourish in USDA zones 3 to 8. They’re an excellent accessory to any garden to add some bright color during the early springtime.
3. English Bluebell (Hyacinthoides Non-Scripta)
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English bluebells are a stunning wildflower. They are identified by their the bell-shaped tubular shape of nodding blue-purple flowers. The vigorous, bulbous perennial blooms in the middle to late spring, with fragrant flowers that smell sweet, with up to 16 blue tubular flowers hanging from swaying stems. English bluebells also come with growing clumps of grass-like linear leaves which contrast with the blue flowers in violet.
English bluebells originate from The United Kingdom but are well-suited to grow in USDA zones 4-10. They like moist, well-drained soil, and a little to no shade. The clumps that spread grow to 12″ to 18″ (30 to 45 cm) tall and can spread up to 6 feet (1.8 meters).
Also known as”whistle” or common bluebell hyacinth as well as bell bottles, these spring flowers are great to plant in the shade garden, woodland gardens, underplanting plants as well as blue-flowering groundcovers to shade or under trees. They can also be grown in pots or use them in cut flowers.
They are low maintenance plants that will grow in time, forming an array of vibrant flowers. Although they are vigorously growing as well as native to Europe they are not plants that are invasive within North America.
4. Scottish Bluebell (Campanula Rotundifolia)
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This Scottish bluebell can be described as a lovely, delicate perennial plant that has bell-shaped blue-violet flowers. Beautiful purple-blueish flowers hang in a cluster or singly at the ends of long stems that are thin and delicate. The bell-shaped flowers bloom in mid-spring and through the summer. Scottish bluebells can grow from up to 12″ to 18″ (30 – 45cm) tall and can reach 12″ (30 centimeters) large.
Also known as harebells, blawort, or heath bells, these gorgeous bluebells with nodding flowers dance in the warm summer breezes. Contrary to common bluebells Scottish bluebells flourish in sun as well as partially shade. However, they need humid soil in order to thrive. It is also possible to prolong the blooming time by deadheading blue-flowering wildflowers.
Scottish bluebells work well in rock gardens border, containers, borders naturalized areas, or as ground cover. Blue-violet Scottish bluebells are tolerant of USDA zones 3-8 and prefer soil that is well-drained. They thrive in full sunlight however they require some shade in warmer climates.
Other Types of Bluebells
Many other varieties of bluebells belonging to the genus Mertensia can be found in shaded areas, woodlands as well as open areas.
1. Tall Bluebells (Mertensia Paniculata)
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The tall bluebells are stunning, bright blue flowers that hang in tiny clusters during the late spring and mid-summer months. The clusters of blue bell-shaped flowers appear at the ends of a swaying stem. The stems can reach the size of between 8″ to 36″ (20 to 90 centimeters) and are adorned with a slender foliage comprised in lanceolate leaves.
Bluebells that are tall thrive in sunny locations in well-drained and moist soil. They’re ideal for bringing an explosion of color to the garden. They require only minimal maintenance and are easily spread via self-seeding and the underground rhizomes, without becoming overgrown.
Bluebells that are tall flourish in USDA zones 3-8 and prefer soil that is well-drained.
2. Sagebrush Bluebells (Mertensia Oblongifolia)
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Bluebells from the Sagebrush family are stunning tubular blue-blue to pinkish-blue blooms with bell-shaped mouths. As with other bluebell species the bell-shaped flowers bloom in large clusters on slim, thin stems. The flowers bloom from the late spring and the beginning of summer, changing landscapes into beautiful pastel shades.
Also known as desert bluebells, the bluebells of sagebrush grow in low mounds that range from 6″ to 12″ (15 to 30 centimeters) tall. Blue flowers thrive in dry, drought-prone landscapes and are excellent for rock gardens or xeriscaping. They are also low-maintenance flowers which attract pollinators like butterflies and bees to your garden.
Bluebells from Sagebrush are suited for cultivation in USDA zones 4 to 8.
3. Mountain Bluebells (Mertensia Ciliata)
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Bluebells of the mountain are recognized by their purple-blue flowers composed of five petals fused together that create a bell-like form. Bluebells are abound on tall stems that are surrounded by huge lance-shaped leaves that measure 6″ (15 centimeters) long. The tallest form of bluebells, the blue-flowering clumping plant can grow from between 1 and 4 feet. (0.3 to 1.2 meters) tall.
Tall mountain bluebells are simple to cultivate in landscape gardens. Bluebells can be planted to enjoy their sweet-smelling tubular flowers that draw pollinators. Bluebells from the native species are great in rock gardens, wildflower gardens border plantings, foundation plants, borders and understory planting.
Mountain bluebells can be planted in USDA zones 3-8. They can be planted in borders, rock gardens or as an attractive accent to any landscape with sun.
4. Sea Bluebells (Mertensia Maritima)
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Sea bluebells are a kind of blue-flowering, ground-hugging plants with tiny bell-shaped blooms. Also called oyster plant, this proliferating prostrate perennial features sparkling blue flowers as well as silvery, blue-green leaves. The flowers are hardy during the late season of spring while the foliage fades in winter.
Sea bluebells are a flowering plant that grows on spreading stems that are up to 4″ to 6″ (10 – 15 millimeters) high and up to 5″ (12 centimeters) broad. The beautiful mat-forming plant can withstand the full sunshine, salt spray and drought. It’s a great ground cover plant to use in rocks gardens, coastal gardens, or for ground cover in full sunshine. It thrives in the poor sandy soils that have great drainage.
5. Prairie Bluebells (Mertensia Lanceolata)
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Prairie bluebells, native to the area are wildflowers that have beautiful deep blue to pale blue, and sometimes pinkish-blue bell-shaped flowers. The delicate tubular flowers hang in clumps on tall stems that arch, and are with long lanceolate leaves. Bluebells grow from up to 8″ to 24″ (20 to 60 centimeters) tall and create clumps of 24″ (60 centimeters) in width.
The beautiful blue prairie bluebell flowers blossom in the late spring and the beginning of summer. This plant is thriving in moist, sandy soils that are partially shaded environments. The tubular flowers are perfect to naturalize wildflower gardens or for decorating rock gardens or for planting understory plants in soils that are poor.
6. The Small Bluebells (Mertensia Longiflora)
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Bluebells of small size are delicate bell-shaped flowers with a long, elongated shape which bloom in light blue. Small tubular flowers possess five petals that open at the ends. Bluebells in a cluster are strikingly contrasted with the lance-shaped or oblong-shaped gray-green leaves that are arranged on thin stems.
Also known as bluebells with long-flowered flowers, the flowering stems and foliage are clumps that range from in clumps of 12″ to 24″ inches (30 to 60 centimeters) tall. When in the wild you’ll generally see them in woodlands that are shaded and moist areas streams, streambanks, and in other moist woodland habitats.
Small bluebells are indigenous in North America and are often located in woodlands and meadows. areas. The beautiful perennial flowers attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators into the garden. They flower in the early spring and add a splash of bright color to the landscape following the cold winter months. The bluebells are small and easy to cultivate and require minimal care.
Small bluebells can be suited for being grown in USDA zones 3-8 and prefer shade that is partial or full-sun. It is possible to plant them in border gardens, rocks or in naturalized areas. They are an exquisite addition to any garden and add the perfect touch of elegance and a touch of charm.
7. Bellflowers (Campanula)
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Bellflowers are gorgeous five-lobed bell-shaped flowers which thrive in sunny places. They are also known as campanula. These blooming plants give pink, blue, purple or white blooms all through summer. The bell-shaped blooms hang from arching, tall stems that add a touch class to any landscape or garden.
There are a variety of species of bellflowers, each having distinctive particularities. Here are a few varieties campanulas that thrive in all regions in the United States:
1. Creeping bellflower (Campanula Rapunculoides)
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The plant that blooms late has bell-shaped, slender flowers on flowering stems. It is between 12″ to 31″ (30 to 80 centimeters) large and tall.
2. Serbian Bellflower (Campanula Poscharskyana)
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Bluebells have a star-shaped shape and have a variety of lilac hues. They bloom on stems that can grow 10-” (25 centimeters) in length.
Bellflowers are an ideal option for sunny gardens. Their bright colors and elegant blooms will brighten your outdoor space. They are versatile, which means you can grow bluebells in ground covers border, garden borders, sub-planting shrubs, or even in containers.
3. Canterbury Bells of Canterbury (Campanula Medium)
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The blue-flowering plant is long-lasting and has bell-shaped blossoms that range from pink, violet and occasionally white.
4. Campanula (Bellflower) ‘Sarastro’
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A groundcover that forms clumps with beautiful blue and violet bell-shaped blooms hanging from long stems that arch. It is up to 18″ to 24″ (45 to 60 centimeters) tall and broad.
5. Hybrid Bluebell (Hyacinthoides x Massartiana)
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The bluebell hybrid is a stunning flowering plant that blooms with blue and bell-shaped lilac flowers. What makes the hybrid plant are the flowers similar to native bluebells. Blue flowers appear like bells that nod with curving petals. The clumping plant has strap-like, arching foliage, and clumping characteristics.
Hybrid bluebells are a hybrid between Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) and the English bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). The low-maintenance plants are ideal to be used as a border, rock garden or naturalizing wooded areas. It is a sturdy plant that can withstand an array of soil conditions and is immune to diseases and pests.
Hybrid bluebells can reach the height of 20″ (50 cm) tall and have pointed strap-like leaves 1″ (25 millimeters) in width. In comparison to English bluebells they are bigger and stronger and doesn’t possess a sweet, scented fragrance. Hybrid bluebells can become invasive and threaten native bluebell populations at risk.
This plant that loves sun is ideal for USDA zones 4-9. It is best to plant bluebells in full sunlight to some shade, and in well-drained soil for them to thrive. With its beautiful flowers and simple care needs The hybrid bluebell makes a wonderful addition to any garden with sun provided you keep it in control.
What Are The Differences Between Bluebell And Bellflower?
Bluebells and bellflowers are both flowering plants, but they belong to different genera and families. Here are the main differences between the two:
Bluebells:
- Genus and Family: Bluebells belong to the genus Hyacinthoides and are part of the Asparagaceae family.
- Appearance: Bluebells typically have long, slender stems with drooping, bell-shaped flowers that are usually blue or violet in color. The flowers are arranged in a spike at the top of the stem.
- Habitat: Bluebells are native to Europe and are often found in woodlands, forests, and meadows.
- Toxicity: Bluebells are toxic if ingested and can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Bellflowers:
- Genus and Family: Bellflowers are part of the Campanula genus and the Campanulaceae family.
- Appearance: Bellflowers come in various colors such as blue, purple, pink, or white. They have a bell-shaped or tubular appearance, and the petals are often fused to form a bell-like structure.
- Habitat: Bellflowers are found in a wide range of habitats, including gardens, meadows, and rocky slopes. They are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere but are cultivated worldwide.
- Uses: Some bellflower species are grown as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive flowers.
In summary, while both bluebells and bellflowers have bell-shaped flowers, they differ in their scientific classification, appearance, habitat, and uses. Bluebells are specific to the Hyacinthoides genus and are usually blue or violet, while bellflowers belong to the Campanula genus and come in various colors like blue, purple, pink, or white.
Where Can I Find Bluebell Flowers
The bluebells typically create carpets of blue flowers in spring in the floodplains and woodlands across Eastern North America. Native bluebells, such as Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) thrive in shaded areas on wooded edges, where the soil is organically lush and moist.
Spanish Bluebells vs. English Bluebells
Although they’re not found in North America, English bluebells aren’t as widespread like the Spanish bluebells. To distinguish between the two species check out how bluebells hang from stems. English bluebells are only blooming in one direction of the plant while Spanish bluebells dangle around stems.
Spanish bluebells are stronger and show bigger blooms as compared to English bluebells. They are more robust and have larger flowers than English. Additionally, you are more likely to spot Spanish bluebells growing in wide areas due to the fact that English bluebells are only able to grow in full shade, not under direct sun.
Is It Better to Plant Bluebells from Bulbs Or Can Bluebells Be Grown From Seeds?
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Bluebells can be cultivated from both bulbs and seeds. The cultivation of bulbs is a more typical and easy method, as it ensures that the true characteristics that the plant has. However, growing them from seeds is also possible, however it can take a bit longer to be able to see flowers.
How Do Bluebells Spread?
Bluebells spread via seeds dispersal and their large underground roots system of rhizome. This habit of spreading allows native bluebells to create huge colonies of flowers quickly. However, blue-purple-colored ground cover plants won’t be overly invasive since they fade away in the summer, only to reappearing next spring, only a handful of flowers are blooming.
How to Grow Native Bluebells in Your Garden
The most effective way to cultivate Virginia bluebells inside a shaded area is by planting dormant Rhizomes during the springtime when the last frost has gone. Pick a location under shrubs or trees that will provide the shade is from partial to complete. Then, place roots one” (2.5 millimeters) into the soil with the tips over the ground.
Conclusion
And that wraps up our journey into the colorful world of bluebell flowers! We’ve unveiled the secrets behind their bell-like blossoms and vibrant hues, making it easier for you to spot these beauties in the wild or your garden.
Armed with this knowledge, you can now appreciate the subtle differences in bluebell varieties. So, the next time you’re out and about, keep an eye out for these charming blooms. They’re not just flowers; they’re nature’s way of adding a pop of color and elegance to our lives!
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