Spanish Bluebells vs English Bluebells – Identification

Q: Should I plant Spanish or English bluebells in the woods behind my house this fall? Which will do better in my area?

A: I think they both will do fine. I have had Spanish bluebells, Hyacinthoides hispanica, at my Decatur home for thirty years. English bluebells, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, have violet-blue flowers and a pleasant scent. My Spanish bluebells have pale blue flowers and no scent.

Gardeners in England prize their native bluebells and if you confuse the two, they will be very cross with you.

Identifying Bluebells

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