Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica)

Also known as: Wood hyacinth

The Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is a perennial plant native to the Iberian Peninsula. It features lighter blue flowers compared to the common bluebell and is frequently grown in gardens.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Spanish bluebell

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

15 cm to 50 cm

Spread

23 cm to 30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.5 cm to 2 cm

Flower Color

Blue Pink White Purple

Images of Spanish bluebell

Quickly Identify Spanish bluebell

Glossy dark green leaves, strap-shaped, 1-1.5 inches wide, forming graceful arching foliage.

Nodding bell-shaped flowers in lavender-blue with unique pair of bracts, standing 20 inches tall.

Roundish green capsules with 5-30 black seeds, providing distinctive color and shape contrast.

Sturdy stem, 10-18 inches tall, vibrant green, erect, and robust with minimal branching.

Linear-lanceolate leaves, 8-20 inches long, bright green, smooth texture, and prominent mid-vein.

Scientific Classification of Spanish bluebell

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagales

Family

Asparagus

Genus

Hyacinthoides

Species

Spanish bluebell

Planting and Growing of Spanish bluebell

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-70℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Spanish bluebell?

For Hyacinthoides hispanica, watering should aim to evenly moisten the soil. A good rule of thumb is to water until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot, approximately 200ml per session, ensuring that excess moisture doesn't linger to prevent root rot.

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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Spanish bluebell? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Spanish bluebell?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 3 to 5 hours

Hyacinthoides hispanica does well in partial sun, benefiting from a mix of sun and shade. Ideal lighting promotes the development of lush, green leaves and bright, showy flowers, enhancing the plant's ornamental value.

How much sunlight does Hyacinthoides hispanica need daily? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Spanish bluebell?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 70℉

Hyacinthoides hispanica thrives best in a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F. This range mimics its native habitat conditions, ensuring optimal growth and blooming. Keeping temperatures within this range helps maintain the plant's metabolic processes at a steady rate, promoting robust foliage development and vibrant flowers.

What Soil is Best for Spanish bluebell?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Hyacinthoides hispanica thrives in soil that offers excellent drainage. Too much water can lead to root rot, making free-draining soil crucial. Loamy or sandy loam soils allow water to escape efficiently, keeping roots healthy and oxygenated. This plant prefers a soil rich in organic matter, which offers a buffet of nutrients needed for robust growth. Incorporating compost can significantly enhance nutrient availability, supporting the vibrant blooms Hyacinthoides hispanica is known for. While good drainage is essential, maintaining a steady level of moisture without waterlogging is also critical. This balance ensures that the plant does not experience drought stress, which can hinder growth and reduce flowering. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Spanish bluebell?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Hyacinthoides hispanica, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Generally, 1-2 teaspoons per gallon of water is suitable. Over-fertilization can be harmful, so always err on the side of caution. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Spanish bluebell?

Pruning Time: Summer

Once the flowering period is over and the leaves start to yellow, cut back the foliage to ground level. This prevents energy being wasted on dead leaves and directs it back to the bulbs. To prevent the plant from spreading too extensively, remove seed pods as soon as they form. This helps control the spread and keeps the plant’s energy focused. During the pruning process, inspect the bulbs and roots for any signs of disease or rot and remove any damaged parts to maintain overall plant health. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Spanish bluebell plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring

Harvest seeds from mature Hyacinthoides hispanica plants after the flowering season. Ensure seeds are fully developed by checking their color and size.

Prepare a well-draining potting mix or garden bed. Amend the soil with compost if necessary to ensure it is fertile and retains adequate moisture.

Sow seeds evenly in the seed tray or directly in the prepared garden bed. Cover them lightly with soil and water gently to avoid displacement.

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How to Repot Spanish bluebell plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

You'll know it's time to repot your Hyacinthoides hispanica when the plant becomes root-bound, which means roots are growing out of the drainage holes or forming a tight mass. Another sign can be the soil drying out rapidly after watering. Ideally, plan to repot in early spring or autumn to minimize shock and allow the plant to recover quickly.

When selecting a new pot for your Hyacinthoides hispanica, go for one that is only slightly larger than the current one, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The pot should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and should be made of materials like clay, which help with better airflow to the roots. Such choices help in avoiding root rot and ensuring healthy growth.

Choose a well-draining loamy soil to repot your Spanish Bluebells. This type of soil retains enough moisture for the plant's needs while also allowing excess water to easily escape, preventing waterlogged conditions. Adding organic matter like compost can enrich the soil, providing essential nutrients needed for robust growth and blooming.

Toxicity of Spanish bluebell

Is Spanish bluebell toxic to cat?

The Spanish bluebell presents a considerable danger to feline health owing to its toxic characteristics. Every component of the plant, including its flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, stems, and sap/juice, poses this hazard. Cats may accidentally ingest these parts and suffer from toxicity. After consumption, affected felines may exhibit symptoms of physical distress or sickness in multiple forms, signaling the urgency for immediate care. It is crucial for cat owners to swiftly obtain treatment at a veterinary clinic if they suspect their cat has been poisoned by Spanish bluebells to safeguard their pet's health.

Is Spanish bluebell toxic to dog?

The Spanish bluebell is recognized as a toxic species for canines. Dogs are at risk of poisoning if they consume any part of this plant, including its flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, stems, and sap. Accidental ingestion may happen as dogs explore their surroundings or frolic in areas where Spanish bluebells are present. Following the consumption of Spanish bluebell parts, dogs may display a variety of symptoms that signal poisoning. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, excessive drooling, or more critical signs such as alterations in heart rate or respiratory issues. It is essential for dog owners to closely supervise their pets and restrict access to Spanish bluebells to prevent any accidental consumption. If there is suspicion that a dog has ingested Spanish bluebell and is exhibiting symptoms of poisoning, seeking prompt veterinary assistance is vital to ensure the best possible recovery for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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