Bluebells can be bought as loose bulbs cheaply in autumn or growing in pots in spring.They can be grown under trees or shrubs that lose their leaves in winter, as they will largely grow and bloom before the leaves fully appear in spring. You’ll need enough room for the plants to grow, flower and for the leaves to die back naturally to encourage really good flowering.
Yes. they are available to buy and it should say on the packet. However, sometimes bulbs are unintentionally sold under the wrong name, so do check what the plant looks like when it flowers.
Can you grow bluebells in pots if you don’t have much space?
Bluebells can be grown in pots, so that will reduce their spread, but do remove the seedheads to prevent seed being scattered if you only want them in certain areas,Hunt advises. They are easy to grow in pots of peat-free multipurpose or peat-free loam-based composts. Plant bulbs about 2in deep and keep compost moist from October-June to promote best growth and flowering.
When buying bluebells as bulbs or in the green, how do you know what type they are?
“You can really only tell when they are in bloom,” says Hunt. “English bluebells are highly scented, rich deep mauve-blue, and have downward hanging flowers. Spanish and hybrids tend to be a paler blue, larger individual flowers with blooms that can face upward. If you are concerned seek assurances from suppliers.”
Are Spanish bluebells easily available to buy here – and will it say ‘Spanish’ on the bulb packet?
Photo of light blue Spanish bluebells (PA / Alamy):
Photo of English bluebells (PA / Alamy):
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