Bluebells vs Hyacinth: What is the Difference?

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta or Hyacinthoides hispanica) and hyacinth (Hyacinthus species) are two types of spring-flowering plant grown for their scented flowers. However, there are some key differences between the two plants. We take a look into the world of these springtime blooms and explore the differences in appearance, growth habits and care requirements.

English bluebells

• Symbolism: Humility, constancy, gratitude and everlasting love.
• Uses: English bluebells are predominantly a wildflower, although they may be grown in gardens. They are not used in the floral industry or as a cut flower. It is illegal to pick English bluebells as they are a protected species.

English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are a bulbous perennial native to woodland areas of the United Kingdom. In spring, the English bluebell produces a carpet of highly scented deep blue flowers. The tubular, bell-shaped flowers have a distinctive drooping appearance, which hangs down one side on the tall, slender stem.

English bluebells are used to indicate the ancientness of woodland, as they are slow to spread and usually found in older-growth areas. Unfortunately, they are at risk due to the loss of woodland, which now accounts for only 13% of land area in the UK, as well as competition from Spanish bluebells and English x Spanish bluebell hybrids.

The term “bluebell” derives from the distinct shape and colour of the flower. The blossoms are bell-shaped and typically exhibit a rich, blue color.

Spanish bluebells

• Symbolism: Humility, constancy.
  
• Uses: Spanish bluebells are grown for ornamental purposes. They are not protected and can be picked.

Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) are a bulbous perennial native to the Iberian Peninsula. During spring, the Spanish bluebell produces a pale pink, bell-shaped flower with a mild fragrance. They were brought to the United Kingdom as an ornamental flower.

The Royal Horticultural Society recommends against growing Spanish bluebells, particularly near areas where wild bluebells grow, as they can hybridise with English bluebells to produce Hyacinthoides x massartiana. This hybrid can outcompete the native English bluebell.

English and Spanish bluebells share similarities as they have evolved to fill similar ecological niches within their respective habitats. This is an example of parallel evolution, where similar traits can evolve independently in species that are not closely related, often because they adapt to similar environments or ecological niches.

Hyacinth

• Symbolism: Playfulness, loveliness, loyalty, friendship
  
• Uses: Cut flowers, indoor pot plant, outdoor pot plant, garden beds

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) is a small genus of bulbous perennials native to the eastern Mediterranean, from the north of Bulgaria through to the northern part of the region of Palestine. Vibrant clusters of highly fragrant flowers bloom in early spring. The densely packed flowers grow along the stem in a conical or cylindrical shape and grow in a variety of colours including blue, white, pink, purple and yellow.

Hyacinths are commonly grown in decorative pots indoors or outdoors during their blooming period. They perform a spectacular display when grown in clusters.

The name hyacinth is from Greek mythology. Hyacinthos (Ὑακινθος) was a beautiful spartan prince loved by the god Apollo. While throwing a discus, Apollo accidentally hit Hyacinthos, killing him. A flower sprang up where Hyacinthos’s blood spilled, which Apollo named ‘hyacinth‘ in his honour.

Difference between English bluebells, Spanish bluebells and hyacinth