Hyacinthoides hispanica or Spanish bluebell is often mistaken for the English Blue, both grow well under trees and in spring can be seen as a blue carpet in a deciduous woodland setting.
The leaves are strap-like and the flower stems grow above the foliage. The flower stem of the Spanish Bluebell tends to be upright and the flowers are borne around the upper stem. The flowers have no scent, are a lighter blue, a boarder bell shape with less curling tips. The strap shaped leaves are wider than the English variety
Hyacinthoides hispanica thrives in rich moist soils and part shaded positions. They are well suited to rockeries and will tolerate direct sun but prefer some shade.
The Spanish Bluebell is often confused with the English Bluebell, however they have many distinct differences. The key differences are the shape of the flower stem, the position of the flowers along the stem and the perfume of the flower.
The English and Spanish Bluebells tend to hybridise easily so there are many hybrids growing in the wild with a mix of characteristics