Bluebell Flowers: Beautiful and Whimsical Perennials

Athlyn Green lives on an acreage and enjoys the flowers, plants, and bushes therein.

The Magic of the Bluebell

Bluebell flowers grow from North America to North Africa and are a favorite flower, no matter which side of the Atlantic they grow on. The flowers are seen in gardens and along pathways, gracing meadows and glens, tucked away in shady forest areas and carpeting woodlands.

Bluebells poke their heads out in spring, usually between April and May, and they are a welcome messenger of warmer weather. Bluebells can bloom through the summer months if conditions are right.

The flowers are enchanting, shaped as they are into captivating bells and painted in sky blue. Whether you come across one or many, they are sure to catch your eye.

Delicate little bluebells could almost make one believe in fairies and magical things, and it comes as no surprise that the bells are believed by some to actually call fairies to their meetings.

If you are fortunate enough to encounter these flowers, your spirits will surely be lifted. Indeed, how much better our world has been and is blessed by lovely bluebell flowers.

O, that lone flower recalled to me

My happy childhood's hours

When bluebells seemed like fairy gifts

A prize among the flowers

— Anne Bronte

Trumpet-Shaped Bluebells

Other Names for Bluebells

Perhaps another reason these flowers are so charming is that they are shaped like little bells.

Bluebells are also called:

• Auld man's bell
• Blaklocka
• Bush tucker (Australian bluebell)
• Calverkeys
• Campanula
• Common bluebell
• English bluebell (Europe, British Isles, most often found in woods)
• Harebell
• Jacinth
• Ring-o'-bells
• Scottish bluebells
• Spanish bluebells (Europe, British Isles, most often seen in gardens)
• Virginia bluebell (Canada, U.S.)
• Wild hyacinth
• Wood bells

Magical Pale Bluebells

There's a little flower up yonder, the last bud from the multitude of bluebells that clouded those turf steps in July with a lilac mist.

— Nelly Dean, Wuthering Heights

Electric-Blue Floral Bells Against the Green of Wanstead Park

Different Types of Bluebells

• Hyacinthoides non-scripta grows in woodlands and in other shady places.
• Hyacinthoides hispanica, also known as the Spanish bluebell, shows up in gardens and can grow out in the countryside.
• Hyacinthoides x massartiana is a common hybrid.

Sky-Blue Hyacinthoides Non-Scripta

Fast Facts

• Bluebells are a perennial and, as such, are usually grown from a bulb, although seeds are available.
• They've been spotted growing in shady areas, such as woodlands, under trees, under bracken, and even near sea cliffs.
• While they are common in the British Isles, they do not grow in all places in Britain.
• Hybridization has occurred, which, it is believed, has impacted natural bluebells, due to invasive Spanish bluebells.

Take a Walk in a Bluebell Wood...

Bluebell Woods

Actual bluebell woods are found in all parts of Great Britain, in Ireland, and in other locations in Europe.

Bluebells make their appearance in areas where new leaves form a canopy above. Bluebells thrive in shady areas and will carpet the forest floor, suppressing competing ground cover, and lending an utterly charming effect.

Bluish-Purple Bluebells in Bigsweir Wood

Protection of Bluebell Woods and Bluebell Walks

Efforts are in place to protect bluebell woods along with other ancient woodlands and to identify and preserve bluebell flowers for future generations.

In Britain, through the months April-June, the Bluebells Walks Season is geared at encouraging people to participate in up to 100 Bluebell Walks in an effort to spot and identify bluebells growing in Britain.

The Bluebell Walks season is designed to help preserve bluebells in Great Britain. This effort has been initiated in concert with the Natural History Museum, aimed at gaining a better understanding of factors that are impacting the bluebell.

Those who participate in Bluebell Walks are instructed to try to find different types of bluebells and include their findings in an online survey conducted by the Natural History Museum. This data will be used to chart where different types of bluebells are flowering.

Top Spots to Find Bluebell Woods

• Bluebell woods near you | National Trust
  Top places to see bluebells at beautiful National Trust woodland, gardens and parks.
• Where to see bluebells - Country Life
  The best gardens to see beautiful carpets of bluebells this spring, from Cornwall to Northern Ireland.

Bluebell Walks

Bluebells Near Wenchford

Protecting Bluebells for Future Generations

The common bluebell is so revered, it is now protected in the United Kingdom. The National Trust is active in preserving the Nation's bluebells for posterity and many hectares of woodland are now protected.

Additionally, gardeners are cautioned against planting Spanish or hybrid bluebells near native populations.

Forest Floor Carpeted in Bluebells at Heather Hills

Scottish Bluebell

Not to be forgotten, the Scottish bluebell is another variety that has a clearly defined bell and is every bit as lovely as its counterpart. It is also known as the Harebell. This is the best known Canadian species, and it is found from the Yukon Territory to the Atlantic provinces.

In Canada, bluebells flower somewhat later, making an appearance from June through August.

This type of bluebell has a clearly defined "hood."

Scottish Bluebell (Campanula Rotundifolia)

Native Australian Bluebell

Another beautiful bluebell is the Australian bluebell (Wahlenbergia stricta).

This flower has does not have the classic bell shape, but its delicate petals come out in a lovely shade of pale blue.

These little gems are edible and can be used to pretty up punches or for decorating sweets.

Wahlenbergia Stricta

A Perfect Home for the Fey Fairies

Colors

The bells can range in color from:

• Purple
• Pinkish
• White
• Blue (the blue color is clearly a favorite)

Oh, Those Bonnie Bells

Bluebell flowers are beautiful and whimsical perennials, bringing delight to the soul and senses wherever they are found.

Questions & Answers

Question: Can bluebells grow in bright sunlight?

Answer: Yes, as long as they aren't in an extremely arid area. Check them for signs of dryness and water accordingly. If they are wilting, you may need to consider location before you plant or a location change.

© 2010 Athlyn Green

Comments

Mary on April 21, 2016:

Would they grow in Las Vegas, Nevada? The temperature can get up to

115* in the summer and as low as 29* in the winter .

Athlyn Green (author) from West Kootenays on July 31, 2013:

I so appreciate all the enthusiastic comments. Nice to know there are other bluebell lovers out there.

Athlyn Green (author) from West Kootenays on March 07, 2013:

Hi Stephanie and Dirt Farmer,

Thank you for stopping by!

Wow! Rereading all the great comments. I'm so glad this Hub touched everyone on the same level.

Stephanie Bradberry from New Jersey on March 07, 2013:

These images have convinced me to consider adding them to the garden.

Jill Spencer from United States on March 07, 2013:

What a wonderful hub! It's like taking a scenic walk, you so gently lead your reader. A real delight.

Alegria from Orion,Bataan on November 28, 2012:

wow.. we could use with some of these pretty flowers here in the Philippines :) Here flowers don't grow here like these do.. they are very nice :)

Athlyn Green (author) from West Kootenays on March 20, 2012:

Hi Jas,

This Hub discusses when bluebells bloom and you can purchase flower seeds from the capsules.

Jas on May 02, 2011:

Hey, this is gorgeous! Where can I find these bluebells? Also when the best time of year for them? Thanks!

Athlyn Green (author) from West Kootenays on July 13, 2010:

I've always loved bluebells. I remember being a tiny child and studying a bluebell and thinking it was almost magical.

Years later, bluebells crept into my poetry.

Priscilla Chan from Normal, Illinois on March 07, 2010:

I love my Bluebells! In fact, I have a hub about the flowers I have in my yard. I love especially the rare wild flowers. I have Triliums and they are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing with all the nice pictures. It made me want to play with the dirt now:)

Varenya on March 06, 2010:

Wondrous images!!! I love greatly the one of the wood with the soil litterally covered by flowers: amazing! Thank you for the hub, Athlyn Green!!!

Athlyn Green (author) from West Kootenays on March 05, 2010:

I would love to travel over to the U.K. and see the bluebell woods--they must be so lovely. I can see why bluebells are protected.

Dave from Lancashire north west England on March 05, 2010:

Hi,Athlyn Green beautiful hub on a beautiful subject. Here on the west coast of England there are many bluebell woods which are a joy to see. However, some of our woods are under threat from the Spanish bluebell a garden escape which cross pollinates with the native and eventually takes over. Thank you for sharing this hub with us.

Athlyn Green (author) from West Kootenays on March 04, 2010:

Hi Purple,

Aw, thank you. The world is a better place, cause bluebells are in it!

Esther Shamsunder from Bangalore,India on March 04, 2010:

Thanks Athlyn for transporting me into the woods feeling the bluebells with my bare feet! I loved it! Feast for the eyes too,soothing & refreshing!!!

Athlyn Green (author) from West Kootenays on March 04, 2010:

Hi Suzie,

Yes, bluebells are lovely!

suziecat7 from Asheville, NC on March 04, 2010:

So pretty! I'm going to plant some bluebells this year. Nice Hub.