Flower Library
Bluebell
Hyacinthoides · Asparagaceae
Hardly any flower says spring woodland like the bluebell: nodding blue bells on delicate arching stems that turn whole forest floors into blue carpets in April and May. As a cut flower it is a brief, romantic seasonal item for naturalistic spring bouquets. We stock it during its few weeks of bloom as cultivated stock from specialist growers.
- Season
- April – May
- Vase life
- 5–8 days
- Latin name
- Hyacinthoides
- Colors
- Blue-violet, Light blue, Pink, White
Two species need telling apart: the Atlantic bluebell carries its fragrant bells on one side of an elegantly arching stem, while the sturdier Spanish bluebell flowers all around an upright stem and is scentless. Garden retail is dominated by the Spanish bluebell and its hybrids because they are more vigorous and tolerant.
The bells open from the bottom upwards, which gives the stem a lovely development in the vase. Fresh stock shows upright tips and only the lower third of the bells open — fully opened arches last just a few more days.
In the vase the bluebell remains a woodland child: it likes it cool, bright without direct sun, and with consistently fresh water. The soft stems rot quickly, so use only a little water and change it daily. Cared for like this it lasts five to eight days.
Stylistically it is the perfect flower for an enchanted natural look: combined with forget-me-nots, small daffodils, ranunculus and fresh greenery you get a bouquet straight from the woodland edge. The nodding arches give every arrangement movement — do not squeeze them in, let them fall loosely.
Important for nature lovers: wild colonies — here as in England — must not be picked or dug up. And if you have the true Atlantic bluebell in your garden, do not plant Spanish cultivars next to it; the two hybridise and crowd out the pure species.
Is Bluebell toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
All parts of the bluebell, especially the bulb, contain cardiac glycosides and irritant compounds. Toxic to cats, dogs and children — keep vase and bulbs out of reach.
Typical symptoms: After ingestion: drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; larger amounts can cause heart rhythm disturbances.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut the stems with a sharp knife and place them in a small amount of fresh, cold water.
- 02Change the water daily — the soft stems rot quickly in stale water.
- 03Display cool and bright, but out of direct sun.
- 04Buy stems with the upper bells still mostly closed; they keep developing in the vase.
- 05Do not place near fruit — ripening gas makes the delicate bells wilt faster.
- 06Wash your hands after arranging; the sap can irritate sensitive skin.
Frequently asked
- When do bluebells flower?
- In April and May, for two to four weeks depending on the weather. During this short window it is also available as a cut flower — after that it is a year-long wait. The famous blue woodland carpets in England usually peak in late April.
- Are bluebells toxic to dogs and cats?
- Yes. All parts contain cardiac glycosides, the bulb most of all. Chewing leads to drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, and larger amounts can affect the heart. Keep the vase and any bulbs strictly out of reach of pets.
- What is the difference between Atlantic and Spanish bluebells?
- The Atlantic bluebell has fragrant bells hanging to one side of an arching stem and cream-coloured pollen. The Spanish bluebell flowers all around an upright stem, is scentless and noticeably sturdier. The trade mostly offers Spanish cultivars and hybrids.
- May you pick bluebells in the woods?
- No. Wild colonies deserve protection and in Britain are even strictly protected by law; here too the rule is to leave them standing. Cut stems from the florist come from nursery cultivation and are the right choice for the vase.