How to Grow
Hyacinthoides non-scripta (English bluebells)

Bluebells are best planted in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter such as compost or leaf mould. They are woodland plants and will grow happily in dappled shade beneath deciduous trees and shrubs.

1. To prepare the soil for planting bulbs, use a spade to dig in compost, leaf mould or composted bark.
2. Using a trowel or bulb planter, dig holes 15cm deep and place a bulb in each hole, with the pointed end facing upwards. For a naturalistic, randomly scattered effect, toss handfuls of bulbs up into the air so that they fall roughly in the area where you want them to grow, then plant them where they land.
3. Water well after planting to settle the soil around the bulbs.

1. Choose a container with good drainage holes. Place it in a sunny or part-shaded spot and fill it with a good quality bulb compost or multi-purpose compost.

2. Plant the bulbs 15cm deep and 15cm apart, with the pointed tips upwards. Water to moisten the compost.

1. Once shoots start to appear, water container-grown bluebells during long dry spells but take care not to overwater as this can cause the bulbs to rot. Stop watering once the foliage dies down.
2. Once flowers appear, feed container-grown bluebells fortnightly with a liquid high potash feed like tomato feed.
3. Deadhead faded flowers. Once the foliage yellows and starts to die back, cut it back to ground level.
4. Bluebells are hardy and will survive in the ground for many years, gradually multiplying and spreading. Bluebells planted in containers can be lifted and dried after the foliage dies back, then stored in a cool, dry place for replanting in autumn.

Bluebells are generally pest and disease-free, although they can be affected by bluebell rust, which causes brown and yellow spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves promptly and dispose of them (not on a compost heap). Bluebells are less likely to be eaten by squirrels, deer or rabbits than many other spring bulbs, so are ideal for planting in areas with wildlife.