About

This small bulbous plant to 20cm tall, with narrow leaves and dense racemes of erect, starry mid-blue flowers 1cm long, in spring.

About the genus

Hyacinthoides are bulbous perennials with linear to strap-shaped leaves and bell-shaped or star-shaped blue, violet or white flowers in spring

Growing conditions

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toS Europe
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

CultivationPlant 8cm deep in autumn in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that does not dry out
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame when ripe, keep shaded and do not allow to dry out. Alternatively remove offsets in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free