Hyacinthoides hispanica (Spanish Bluebell, Wood Hyacinth)
Botanical Information
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Hyacinthoides |
| Species | hispanica |
| Synonyms | Endymion nonscriptus |
| Category | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Origin | SW Europe, North Africa. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 3 - 8 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 1a - 8a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H4 - H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -40 -(-7) |
| Temperature (°F) | -40 - 20 |
| Height | 20 - 40 cm |
| Spread | 7 - 15 cm |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | May, June |
Description and Growing Information
| ID Characteristic | It is distinguished from the Common Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) by its paler, larger blue flowers, more erect flower stem (raceme), broader leaves, blue anthers (where the English or Common Bluebell has creamy-white ones) and little or no scent compared to the strong fragrant scent of the northern species. |
| Propagation | Propagate by division of bulb offsets. |
| Cultivation | Grows in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sunlight to partial shade. |
| Pests | No serious insect or disease problems. |
| Notable Specimens | The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Native to the Iberian Peninsula. Introduced to the UK and has become an invasive species cross pollinating with the native English or common Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) producing a hybrid. |
Photographs
A large clump in flower in the A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Garden, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
Various colours of Hyacinthoides hispanica in bloom in the A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Garden, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
Scanning electron microscope image of pollen. Hyacinthoides hispanica blue flower.
Scanning electron microscope image of pollen. Hyacinthoides hispanica white flower.