In your own garden
Flower bulbs for naturalizing are a one-time investment that will more than pay for itself over the years. From October to November, plant the bulbs about 6-8 cm deep in loose, humus-rich soil. Ensure the soil is moist but not wet. Suitable locations are meadows or garden corners at the edge of woodland, especially semi-shaded spots under trees and shrubs. There, they can multiply undisturbed for many years. Fertilizing is perfectly fine; mulch is better! Only cut back the leaves when they wilt, as they continue to produce valuable nutrients that the bluebell needs for the following year until they turn yellow. If the plants are to naturalize and self-seed, this work is unnecessary. Wait until at least six weeks after flowering before mowing, as only then have the plants completed their vegetation cycle and stored important reserves.
Wild occurrence
Bluebells thrive in deciduous forests, such as beech or birch, whose foliage still allows sufficient sunlight to penetrate in spring. They are optimally adapted to the annual rhythm of the open forest. By the time the canopy closes, they have largely stored their reserves for the following year, and the leaves soon wither. Despite the ideal conditions in German forests, the English bluebell is rarely found in the wild. Therefore, the plant is under strict protection. In England, too, it is now considered an endangered species. It is particularly threatened by the invasion of the Spanish bluebell.
TEXT: Victoria Wegner
