The Difference Between English Bluebells and Spanish Bluebells

The English Bluebell and the Spanish Bluebell are both bell-shaped flowers that grow during mid to late spring. Although both flowers are very similar, a closer look reveals some differences. Do you want to know the difference between Spanish and English Bluebells? We discuss it in this blog post.

What Are Spanish Bluebells?

Spanish Bluebells, also known as “Hyacinthoides Hispanica” or “Wood Hyacinth”, are open bell-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of blue and occasionally pink or white. The flowers grow during mid to late spring and are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Deer, however, don't like them at all.

Spanish Bluebells are native to Spain, Portugal and northwest Africa. Because the plant is very resistant, Spanish Bluebells can grow in difficult areas. They tolerate shady conditions but thrive best in sunny, partially shady areas. Spanish Bluebells also have strap-shaped green leaves and upright stems with 15 to 20 bell-shaped flowers per stem, which are not fragrant. Combined with other yellow, pink, white and red flowers, the colours of Spanish Bluebells are striking.

What Are English Bluebells?

English Bluebells, also known as “Hyacinthoides Non-scripta”, “British Bluebell”, or “native English Bluebell”, are narrow bell-shaped flowers native to the British Isles. The deep violet-blue flowers of English Bluebell bulbs look like fairy flowers and appear in mid to late spring. As the bulbs naturalise, they create a carpet of blue and violet Bluebell woods.

Each flower stem typically bears clusters of drooping flowers on one side, giving the plant a distinctive nodding appearance. English Bluebells often symbolise the arrival of spring and have a light, sweet fragrance.

Bluebells English vs. Spanish: The Difference

The English Bluebell and the Spanish Bluebell may look very similar at first glance, but if you look closely at both plants, there are quite a few differences between the English native Bluebell and the Spanish Bluebell.

How To Grow Spanish Bluebells?

Do you fancy planting Bluebells? Follow this step-by-step plan. It's good to know that you should plant them in autumn, before the ground freezes.

1. Find a well-drained spot in full sun or partial shade. For example, under deciduous trees or in a container.
2. Dig a hole 6–8 cm (around 2.4–3.1 inches) deep. Follow the general rule of thumb when planting Spanish Bluebells. Give the bulbs at least 2 times the height of the soil above them.
3. Drop the bulb into the hole and cover it with soil. Make sure the bulb is positioned correctly. Spanish Bluebell bulbs look like mini onions with a slightly pointed head and sometimes wiry roots growing from the underside. Plant with the pointed head facing upwards.
4. Leave about 10 cm (around 3.9 inches) between each bulb. If you are planting in containers, you can space them a little closer together.
5. Water well after planting to allow the soil to settle over the bulbs.

Learn more: How to Grow Hyacinthoides (Spanish Bluebell)

Planting And Care Of Spanish Bluebells

Spanish Bluebell bulbs flower in the spring. After the flowers have finished flowering, leave the plant to rest. You don't need to water much during this period. The leaves will also die back. You can choose to tidy up the plant and remove the old leaves, or just let nature take its course.

Your Quick Guide About The Spanish Bluebell

Quick guide:

• Planting season: autumn
• Blooming season: mid to late spring
• Soil: Well-draining soil
• Water: Water well once to settle it in. Moderately in spring
• Place: Partial sun to partial shade
• After blooming: Remove the old leaves, or just let nature take its course