By Joanairey
Middlesex,
United Kingdom 
Bluebells! Does anyone ever manage to grow these? I have planted them for the last few years. They might come up the first year but not after that. However, the ones I planted last September have not appeared at all. This is annoying. I went past a totally unkempt garden the other day and it was full of them, far healthier and plumper than any I have grown. Can anyone throw some light on why they don't seem to like me?
13 Apr, 2025
Answers
To grow native English bluebells rather than the lighter blue and stronger Spanish ones that are a threat to our own, plant the bulbs about 6 inches deep under deciduous trees or shrubs. They might need watering in first autumn and spread leafmould if available. They will eventually get this from the trees and shrubs over them.
15 Apr, 2025
Thanks for your answers. I did plant English bluebells all as recommended. I am not green fingered but I have constantly been unhappy with the results. Surely I could have expected some to come up.
I went for a walk yesterday and saw more unkempt gardens containing large, plump, very colourful bluebells. Maybe that is the answer!
16 Apr, 2025
They are damp woodland plants so dry, sun does not suit them. That may be the problem for you.
18 Apr, 2025
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