Description
Hyacinthoides – Endymion – Bluebell –
There are 3 or 4, vigorous, bulbous perennials, in this genus. They occur in deciduous woodland and moist meadows in Western Europe and Northern Africa. They have strap shaped to lance shaped basal leaves, and bear racemes of bell or tubular-bell shaped, scented, blue or white, sometimes pink flowers in spring. Bluebells are ideal for naturalizing in grass, for a wild or woodland garden, or for underplanting in s shrub border. All parts may irritate skin on contact, and may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
Plant bulbs 3″ deep in autumn, in moderately fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained soil in dappled shade. H. hispanica tolerate a wide range of soils. Remove flowers as they fade to prevent self seeding, except in wild plantings.
H. italica – This bulbous perennial from Portugal, Spain, Southeastern France, Northwestern Italy grows 4-8″ tall. It produces semi erect, linear to lance shaped, dull, dark green leaves, 4-10″ long. In spring it bears dense racemes of 6-30 upward facing bell shaped, mid blue flowers, ½” long.
Zones 4-9
