Family: Asparagaceae
Author: (Mill.) Rothm.
Bibliography: Feddes Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 53: 14 (1944)
Year: 1944
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hyacinthoides
Vegetable: False
Observations: Portugal to W. & S. Spain
Description
Spanish bluebell, known scientifically as Hyacinthoides hispanica, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family. The species is native to the Iberian Peninsula, where it is commonly found in the regions of Portugal and western and southern Spain.
Hyacinthoides hispanica blooms in the spring, producing charming clusters of bell-shaped flowers that range in color from soft blue to violet, and occasionally pink or white. Each flower cluster dangles gracefully from sturdy stems that typically grow between 10 to 20 inches in height. The flowers emit a mild, sweet fragrance that attracts bees and other pollinators.
The foliage of the Spanish bluebell consists of strap-like, glossy green leaves that emerge from the base of the plant, forming a lush, green backdrop to the delicate flowers. These leaves generally appear early in the spring and persist for several months before dying back in late summer.
Preferred growing conditions for Hyacinthoides hispanica include well-drained soil and partial shade, although the plant is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types and light conditions. It is frequently seen in woodlands, meadows, and garden landscapes, where it can easily naturalize and form attractive ground cover.
One of the distinguishing features of the Spanish bluebell compared to its close relative, the English bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), is its more upright stance and less pronounced floral scent. Additionally, the Spanish bluebell’s flowers tend to open more widely and evenly around the stem, rather than hanging to one side.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Spanish bluebell is a robust and hardy plant. It is known for its ease of cultivation and minimal care requirements, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of springtime beauty to their gardens.
First described in detail in 1944 by Rothmaler in Feddes Repertorium Specierum Novarum Regni Vegetabilis, Hyacinthoides hispanica has since become a well-loved species both in its native habitat and in various regions around the world where it has been introduced.
In conclusion, the Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is a delightful and resilient plant that not only brightens up natural landscapes with its vibrant springtime blooms but also provides an easy-care option for garden enthusiasts. Its charming flowers and robust nature make it a treasured addition to any garden or wildflower meadow.
Common Names
Eng: hispanic hyacinthoides, spanish bluebell, garden bluebell, spanish squill
Fra: scille d’espagne, jacinthe d’espagne
Nld: spaanse hyacint
Deu: spanisches hasenglöckchen
Dan: spansk klokkeskilla, spansk skilla
Swe: spansk klockhyacint
Nno: spansk klokkeblåstjerne
Nob: spansk klokkeblåstjerne
Cym: clychau cog sbaen, clychau’r-gog sbaenaidd
En: Spanish bluebell, Hispanic hyacinthoides, Garden Bluebell, Spanish squill
Da: Spansk klokkeskilla, Spansk skilla
Nl: Spaanse hyacint
Fr: Scille d’espagne, Jacinthe d’Espagne
De: Spanisches Hasenglöckchen
It: Giacinto a campanelle
Nb: Spansk klokkeblåstjerne
Nn: Spansk klokkeblåstjerne
Sv: Spansk klockhyacint
Cy: Clychau Cog Sbaen, Clychau’r-Gog Sbaenaidd
Synonyms
- Endymion hispanicus ((Mill.) Chouard)
- Endymion campanulatus ((Aiton) Parl.)
- Scilla patula ((Desf.) DC.)
- Endymion nutans subsp. patulus (Douin)
- Agraphis patula ((Desf.) Rchb.)
- Scilla hispanica var. carnea (M.C.Sedgw. & R.Cameron)
- Scilla hyacinthoides (Jacq.)
- Scilla macrogona (Link)
- Epimenidion hyacinthoides (Raf.)
- Scilla non-scripta subsp. hispanica ((Mill.) Ietsw.)
- Endymion patulus ((Desf.) Dumort.)
- Scilla jacquinii (J.F.Gmel.)
- Scilla hispanica var. rosea (M.C.Sedgw. & R.Cameron)
- Lagocodes patula ((Desf.) Raf.)
- Agraphis campanulata ((Aiton) Link)
- Scilla hispanica (Mill.)
- Scilla campanulata (Aiton)
- Usteria dispersa (Medik.)
- Scilla hispanica var. patula ((Desf.) Cout.)
- Hylomenes campanulata ((Aiton) Salisb.)
- Scilla hispanica subsp. patula ((Desf.) K.Richt.)
- Hyacinthoides non-scripta subsp. hispanica ((Mill.) Kerguélen)
- Endymion campanulatus var. albus (Merino)
- Hyacinthoides patula ((Desf.) Rothm.)
- Hyacinthoides racemosa (Medik.)
Distribution
- Portugal (native)
- Spain (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- Belgium (introduced)
- British Columbia (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Delaware (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Ireland (introduced)
- Italy (introduced)
- Netherlands (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Newfoundland (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
- Yugoslavia (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 23, 2021 by Verónica Rodríguez Vicente (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Sebastien buquet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2018 by mdi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 6, 2022 by Clem Clem (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken May 14, 2021 by JeLu76 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2021 by Jürgen Fuhrmann (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 23, 2021 by Verónica Rodríguez Vicente (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2019 by Pierre Maurin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 29, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 29, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2016 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 30, 2020 by Margherita (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 12, 2020 by Henk Jonker (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Corsan Josema (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 30, 2020 by Marcela Parra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by shelley beck (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Alice Maher (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken May 27, 2022 by Julián Díaz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2022 by Chr. St. (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2019 by john vantighem (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Irene Aguiar (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5304257)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:536678-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hyacinthoides hispanica (Mill.) Rothm.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Soil nutriments: 2