English Bluebells in the Cottage Garden

The Bluebell is the sweetest flower
That waves in summer air:
Its blossoms have the mightiest power
To soothe my spirit’s care.

Emily Bronte

English Bluebells in the Cottage Garden, May 16, 2023.

Bluebells, bluebells everywhere around us…. except at Hidden Bluff. Our first Spring at Hidden Bluff I noticed lots of bluebell patches dotting the neighborhood- except at our home. Such a prolific flower, and yet not a single bluebell tinkled in our garden. Our new neighbors likely wouldn’t take well to me pillaging their bluebell patches for a few bulbs. So, that day I placed an order for English Bluebell bulbs and that autumn they went into the ground. This Spring the hardy bulbs rewarded us with lots of tiny periwinkle bells.

With such a magical and charming appearance, it is only natural that the English Bluebell has a long history of association with fairies. In the Medieval period if you rang a bluebell a fairy might arrive in front of you at that moment. And if you dared to pick a bluebell you might be led astray by fairies, wandering lost forever. So, of course a patch of bluebells could be bad luck if you got too close.

English Bluebells take us back in time….

Interestingly, English bluebells are assumed to have originated in England when they actually come from the Mediterranean. They were introduced to England in the 1500s where they quickly adapted to their new environment, a testament to their hardiness as they have a deceptively delicate appearance. In England a large patch of bluebells in the wild is a sign that you are in an ancient woodland. An ancient woodland is an area of land that has been undisturbed for centuries. These whimsical Medieval patches have a unique flora and fauna and are protected by England. When you step into an ancient woodland you are stepping into the past.

A fine and subtle spirit dwells in every little flower,

Anne Brontë

With its drooping head, the English Bluebell gives the impression of being more modest than its lovely and upright cousin, the Spanish Bluebell. The sweetly scented bluebell symbolizes humility and faithfulness. It blooms in April and May and will spread if happy in its chosen location. However, dividing them helps the spreading process. As they prefer some shade as well as moist, fertilized, well-draining soil, bluebells are a good choice to plant under a deciduous tree. There is young Asian pear happily growing in the front yard and it will provide a lovely shelter to the new flowers. If happy the bluebells will show their gratitude with a large attendance to the annual Spring show. And the enjoyment of a pretty flush of blue has a magical feel to it as if a tiny fairy is tiptoeing among the garden.

Have a beautiful day!