Spanish bluebells, sometimes referred to as Hyacinthoides hispanica or wood hyacinth, are a perennial flower that is native to Spain and Portugal. They are now grown in Canada, the U.S., and England. The plants are characterized by violet or blue flowers that somewhat resemble bells. These blooms typically appear in late spring or early summer.
These flowers usually have long, thin leaves that are dark to medium-green in color. They are somewhat tapered, being wider at the bottom than at the top. This foliage is normally found in a circular pattern at the base of the plant's stem. The stem itself is generally thick and gray or dark brown.
Although the blossoms are typically blue or purple, Spanish bluebells can occasionally be white. They are usually very small blooms that point toward the ground. The edges of the flower petals may appear to curl or flip up on the ends. These blossoms generally have little or no fragrance to them.
The plants should be spaced between three to six inches (7.62 to 15.24 cm) apart, in soil that is slightly acidic. Spanish bluebells prefer to be somewhat shaded, rather than placed in direct sunlight. They need a moderate amount of water, but should not be over-saturated.
A perennial flower, Spanish bluebells normally grow back year after year. They may appear to die in the fall, but are actually only becoming dormant during this time. These herbaceous plants can thrive in areas where winter temperatures may dip as low as -30°F(-34.4°C).
All parts of the Hyacinthoides hispanica are poisonous if ingested. People may also develop a skin irritation when handling Spanish bluebells. For these reasons, it may not be a good idea to pick this flower to use in a floral arrangement or bouquet. It should also not be planted where children or animals could easily gain access to it.
Spanish bluebells are considered to be an invasive species in the U.K. This is likely because it usually chokes out the common bluebell plant. The introduction of wood hyacinth to this area is thought to have contributed to that variety being listed as a threatened species.
This flower can be a good choice to grow alongside hostas and ferns. The faint color of Spanish bluebells can also help add color and interest to an otherwise dull area. Gardeners who plant this species can be rewarded with colorful blooms for many years to come.