Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Common bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family, native to Atlantic Europe (Britain, Ireland, north-west France, northern Spain); a woodland native. It grows 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall and 10–20 cm (4–8 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 12 cm (5 in) apart.
Plan Common bluebell in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Common bluebell at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Spacing | 12 cm (5 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Atlantic Europe (Britain, Ireland, north-west France, northern Spain); a woodland native |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland |
Is Common bluebell toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: bulbs, all parts
Contains cardiac glycosides (scillarens); all parts are poisonous if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Common bluebell
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Common bluebell in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (60 plants)
Questions about Common bluebell
- How far apart should I plant Common bluebell?
- About 12 cm (5 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–20 cm (4–8 in).
- Does Common bluebell need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Common bluebell need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Common bluebell?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Common bluebell flower?
- From about April for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Common bluebell poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains cardiac glycosides (scillarens); all parts are poisonous if eaten.
- What grows well with Common bluebell?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Common bluebell. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Wild bluebells are protected in the UK (do not dig them up); buy certified cultivated bulbs.
- Crosses with Spanish bluebell (H. hispanica), which dilutes native stock.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana
- Adam's needle (yucca) Yucca filamentosa