Bluebell
Hyacinthoides nonscripta

Family: Liliaceae

What it is like

Hyacinthoides nonscripta is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Deciduous woodland, usually on slightly acid soils.

Western Europe from the Netherlands and Britain o Belgium and France.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The bulb has diuretic and styptic properties. It is used as a remedy for leucorrhoea.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.

Other

Rating: 2

A glue is obtained from the sap in the bulb and stem. Simply cut open a bulb and apply the sap to whatever needs to be joined. It makes an excellent paper glue, the join is stronger than the surrounding paper. It would not work on non-absorbent materials such as plastics and glass. A starch from the bulb has been used in laundering, it is very harsh on the skin.

Adhesive: Glues.

Starch: Used as a fabric stiffener.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Easily grown in a soil rich in leafmold, preferring semi-shade but tolerating full sun. Succeeds in most soils but prefers a heavy one. Succeeds in the dry shade of trees. Bulbs like to be quite deep in the soil. The flowers diffuse a balsam-like scent in the sunshine.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring or as soon as ripe in a cold frame. It usually requires stratification. If you have plenty of seed it can be sown in situ, but it is usually more economical to sow it in a frame. If sown thinly, the seedlings can be left in their pots for the first year, though give them regular liquid feeds to make sure that they get sufficient nutrient. Prick out the seedlings about 3 to a pot and grow on for 1 - 2 more years before planting out into their permanent positions when they are dormant. Division of the bulbs in summer after the leaves die down. Larger bulbs can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, but it is best to pot up smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year in a cold frame before planting them out when dormant in late summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The bulb (and the whole plant?) is poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Endymion non-scriptus. Scilla non-scriptus.