Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Hyacinthoides non-scripta is the much-loved bluebell of woodland spring, a bulbous perennial that quickly settles into generous clumps of erect green leaves. In mid to late spring, slender stems rise above the foliage, carrying arching racemes of fragrant, narrowly tubular bells in shades of mid-blue to violet-blue. The flowers nod gracefully to one side, giving Hyacinthoides non-scripta its unmistakable, softly natural character. There is a quiet magic to a drift of Hyacinthoides non-scripta beneath trees and shrubs, where the blooms seem to gather the cool light of spring and turn it into colour.

Grow Hyacinthoides non-scripta in well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade, where it can naturalise gently and return with increasing charm each year. It is beautiful beneath deciduous trees, among ferns, primroses, narcissi and fresh emerging foliage, creating the kind of planting that looks entirely accidental and is all the better for it. Once established, this bluebell needs very little fuss, politely disappearing after flowering while other perennials take over the season. Fragrant, graceful and wonderfully evocative, Hyacinthoides non-scripta is perfect for gardeners who want a spring bulb with woodland soul and enduring British charm.

Hyacinthoides non-scripta is a species which is native to various parts of Europe and the UK. Our Hyacinthoides non-scripta are cultivated in Holland and may have a slightly different appearance to wild English bluebells. They can be more upright with blooms in a paler shade of blue compared with the same species sourced from UK breeders.