The bluebell flower grows from a bulb and seeds, and in an upright position, until the weight of the flowers bears them down. New narrow deep green leaves are usually erect, between 20-40cms long and 7-15mm wide that grow on 10-30cms long stems. The flower spikes begin to develop by March end, are 20-50cms high, depending upon the cultivar. All the flowers generally will grow on only one side of the stem, and are pendulous, tubular with the petals curved outward only at the end, giving it a bell shaped appearance, hence the name. The flowers are arranged in a raceme (a line of flowers growing close to each other), with each raceme bearing between 6 and 20 flowers. Traditionally, the flowers are in hues of blue, purple or violet, but one can find some very pleasing cultivated flowers colors too, in shades of white or pink, and sometimes with cream colored anthers. One amazing characteristic of the blue bell flower is its sweet fragrance, from which the bluebell flower essence is derived.
Growing a bluebell flower is a very pleasurable gardening experience. Bluebells can be grown from seeds as well as bulbs, but bluebell flowers grown from seeds need plenty of considerations for the flowers to come true, plus, they take a minimum two years to flower. Bulbs on the other hand will flower next season, beautifully too, and can be stored away for next spring's bloom. Besides the wild or native variety, one can purchase hybrids or a variety of cultivars bluebell bulbs from a reputable vendor. The bulbs you buy can have a sprout or be dried. If its last year's stock you plan to replant, check for any fungus growth, as bulbs not stored properly are susceptible to fungal growth and black mold.
Bluebell flowers enjoy partial shade, or diffused lighting if grown indoors. So select an area that receives adequate light. The bulbs should be planted in late summer or early fall for an early spring or late spring flowering, respectively. Whether in a container or on the ground, dig a hole no deeper than two inches. For the ground, clear all weeds or stones from the inside of the hole, add a little organic mixed soil and place the bulbs with the flat side (a few sprouted dried roots will be present) down and the pointed end upwards. Gently spread soil over the bulbs, and water moderately to settle the soil around it. If planning to plant it in a row or a flower bed, then space them 2-3 inch apart. For planting the bulb in a pot, use organic and perlite mixed soil.
Once you see the buds sprout on the spikes, fertilize using an organic compost or liquid fertilizer. Just one application is needed, too much fertilizing will damage the flower show and turn the leaves yellow. Once the flowering season is over, remove the faded blooms. Cease watering and leave the stems and foliage to wilt and die down, before you remove the bulbs from the ground. It is preferable to leave the bulbs in the ground and space them if they tend to get overcrowded, however, if you need the space to grow winter annuals, then dry and dust the bulbs with fungicide or germicide, before storing them in a dry place. The advantage of leaving the bulbs in the ground is that it will sprout new bulbs and increase the number of bluebell flower plants by next season. If it's a variety of spring flowers you want, then find information about them here.
Bluebell flowers are also known as 'wild hyacinth', and have a place in classic Greek mythology. It is believed that bluebells sprang up from the blood of the dying prince Hyacinthus, and on which Apollo, his admirer wrote "alas", to express his grief. They do not represent grief to most gardeners who know that in spring they bring joy to the beholder, as the fragrant bluebell flowers surpass many other spring flowers in beauty and brightness.
No comments:
Post a Comment