English bluebell

Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Native woodland bulb forming sheets of nodding deep violet-blue bells in April and May. Bluebell woods are an internationally recognised UK habitat.

Hardiness ratings

English bluebell hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −34.4 °C to −6.7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 4–8 −29 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–5 −15 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Forage plant for bees and hoverflies in spring
  • Sheets of bluebells in deciduous woodland in April and May are an internationally recognised UK habitat
  • Distinguish from invasive Spanish bluebell (H. hispanica) — English bluebells have one-sided flower spikes that arch over, white pollen and a strong scent
  • Buy in the green from reputable suppliers — never dig from the wild

Pet caution: English bluebell is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check English bluebell against your zones

Reference

English bluebell on Wikipedia