The Hyacinthoides hispanica is a bulbous perennial from the Asparagaceae family. The Hyacinthoides hispanica is native to Spain, Portugal and North Africa where it grows in woodland and under shrubs. The Hyacinthoides was formerly classified as the genus Scilla which is why it has the synonyms Scilla campanulata and Scilla hispanica. The Hyacinthoides hispanica is commonly named Spanish bluebells or wood hyacinth. It shows much resemblance to the wild hyacinth or English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta).
The flowers of the English bluebells are darker blue, are fragrant and hang on one side of drooping stem. The flowers of the Hyacinthoides hispanica grow on all sides of a rigid, upright stem. The flowers can not only be blue, but also pink or white and they are non-fragrant. The leaves will rise to about 20 centimeters (8 inches) and the flowers stems to 30 to 40 centimeters (12 to 16 inches). The Spanish bluebells blooms abundantly when it receives enough sunlight and is suitable as cut flower.
The Hyacinthoides hispanica has a tendency to become invasive. It not only spreads by bulb offsets but also by self-seeding. If you do not remove the spent flowers, you will have a garden full of Spanish hyacinths. In spring, when in bloom, that is a beautiful sight but because the Hyacinthoides hispanica grows a lot of leaves it will overgrow the neighboring plants. When the leaves die back at the beginning of the summer you will have an empty space left. A spot under a deciduous shrub is perfect for this beautiful plant. By the time the leaves start growing on the shrub, the Spanish bluebells has finished flowering.
The Hyacinthoides hispanica prefers a well-drained, moist spot, but it is also drought tolerant and can grow almost anywhere. The Spanish hyacinth is also suitable for rock gardens. It is best to plant the bulbs between September and December.
Attracts bees: no
Characteristic: newly emerging every year
Deer resistant: yes
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower color: various
Flowering time: April - May
Foliage color: green
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness: -25 ºC (-13 ºF)
Height: 8 inches (20 cm)
Soil: normal/moist