Care of the bulbous plant Hyacinthoides hispanica or Spanish bluebell |
The genus Hyacinthoides, family Asparagaceae, comprises 4 species of bulbous plants native to Europe and Asia. The species are: Hyacinthoides hispanica, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Hyacinthoides italica, Hyacinthoides vicentina. Common name: Spanish bluebell. This species is native to the Iberian Peninsula. They are small bulbous plants that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. It has fine linear leaves of an intense green color. The flowers appear in pyramidal clusters, tube-shaped and usually blue; there are pink or white varieties. They bloom in the second half of spring. Spanish bluebell is used in rockeries, slopes, curbs, in small groups and in pots for terraces and patios. Hyacinthoides hispanica can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure. The soil can be a mixture of normal garden substrate with coarse siliceous sand and peat. The bulbs are planted in mid-autumn at a depth of 10 cm (3.93") and a distance of 8 cm (3.14") between specimens. Water regularly but with little amount of water. It is preferable to wait for the substrate to dry before watering. Spanish bluebell does not need pruning or fertilizers. After flowering let the leaves dry; then remove them and save the bulbs to rest. Hyacinthoides hispanica is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. Spanish bluebell propagates by division of bulbs in summer; they are kept in a dark, dry place and planted in autumn. |
Images of the bulbous plant Hyacinthoides hispanica or Spanish bluebell |