Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) are an underused spring bulb that should be planted more often. Basal, strap-like foliage forms neat clumps in spring and summer. In April to May, 8-12″ tall flowering stems are topped with loose clusters of bell-shaped flowers in pastel blue, pink and white.

They are sweet enough planted in small groups in the perennial garden but will make more of an impact when planted in a mass, just like what the Brooklyn Botanic Garden did when they installed 45,000 in their Bluebell Wood! If that’s the look you’re going for, you don’t have to plant them all at once – just start with a box or two!

Plant them pointed end up, about 4″ deep and 4-5″ apart. They need a well-drained site in full sun to partial shade.