Hyacinthoides non-scripta or the English bluebell is a beautiful spring plant. Looks best when planted on mass and is often associated with woodland plantings as a carpet of blue emerges under the trees.
The leaves are narrow and strap-like and the flower stems grow above the foliage. The flower stem of the English Bluebell droops and the deep blue flowers hang from the underside of them. The flowers are scented, narrow bell shape with petal tips that curl upwards. The strap shaped leaves are narrower.
Hyacinthoides non-scripta 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 English Bluebell is often confused with the Spanish 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