Bluebells are perennial wildflower bulbs scientifically known as Hyacinthoides non-scripta, natively from Europe, England. They grow in hardy zones of 4-9, and mature to approximately 12-18 inches tall and 3-8 inches wide.
Bluebells are deep-violet, trumpet-shaped blooms, with 6 petals and up-turned lips. These enthusiastic blooms come every mid- to late-spring, carpeting woodland area. Bluebells thrive in partially shaded areas and prefer temperatures of 60°F-70°F, and adapt to all soil types. However, they prefer well-drained soil, and only need to be watered lightly.
The sticky sap of bluebells was once used to bind the pages of books, but due to their high toxicity, there have been few medical uses. However, research on how these flowers could potentially help fight cancer is ongoing.
Related: Sun-Loving Flowers | Water-Loving Flowers | Shade-Loving Flowers | Types of Flowers | Types of Flowers by Color | Types of Flowers by Alphabet | Types of Flower Colors | Blue and Violet Flowers
Snowdrops
Galanthus nivalis, or snowdrops as we commonly call them; are herbaceous perennials native to Europe and the Middle East. These tiny plants grow in hardy zones of 3-7 and grow to be 3-6 inches tall.
Snowdrops are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. Snowdrops have narrow-bladed leaves and tiny milky white flowers which hang down its stalk. The bloom has 3 outer petals arching over 3 inner petals.
Like bluebells, snowdrops tolerate a wide range of soil types and are best suited to cooler climates (60°F- 70°F). They grow best in partial shade to full sun. While snowdrops can tolerate drought, they require light watering for optimal growth.
The bulb of the snowdrop can help to slow down Alzheimer’s, and it can also be used to help against poliomyelitis and neuralgia.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley is scientifically known as Convallaria majalis, native to Europe. Lily of the valley is not a true lily- it is part of the asparagus family but has foliage similar to lilies. These herbaceous perennials grow in hardy zones of 3-8 and grow to be 6-12 inches tall and 9-12 inches wide.
The lily of the valley has 5-10-inch-long green leaves with petite bell-shaped white flowers. These dainty white flowers later turn into bright red berries.
Similar to bluebell, lily of the valleys bloom in spring, and prefer temperatures of 60°F-70°F, they both adapt to most soil types and grow well in areas with partial shade. Lily of the valleys needs very little attention once established. They prefer moist and well-drained soil.
The lily of the valley has medicinal properties including breaking down kidney stones, preventing water retention, and reduced pain associated with gout and rheumatism.
Creeping Bellflower
Creeping bellflower is a hardy perennial herbaceous plant, scientifically known as Campanula rapunculoides. Creeping bellflowers are native to Europe. They are hardy to zones 4-9 and are 2-4 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide.
The leaves at the base of the plant are heart-shaped, and they have nodding bell-shaped blue-lavender blooms growing on the side of the stem that emerges during summer.
Bluebells and creeping bellflowers have similar in color, hardiness zones of 4-9, they are both adaptable to various soil types, and both are native to Europe.
Creeping bellflower can thrive in various light and soil conditions; however, they prefer moist and well-draining soil and shady areas. They prefer consistent watering of approximately 1 inch per week. The plants can be hardy down to about 5°F.
Creeping bellflowers can be used as a cough suppressant.
Canterbury Bells
Campanula medium or as we call them- canterbury bells, is a biennial plant native to Southern Europe, with a hardiness of 5-8. They are 20-26 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide when fully mature.
This biennial herbaceous plant has an erect stem with reddish bristly hair, with long serrated leaf edges, and in early summer it blooms an attractive bell-shaped flower with 5 petals that have slightly bent lobes, ranging in beautiful colors of pink, white, purple, and blue.
Canterbury bells flourish at 55°F-65°F. Similar to bluebells, canterbury bells like moist and well-drained soil, and grow well in full sun to partial shade. Water them frequently enough to keep the soil consistently moist, about three to four times per week.
Canterbury bells are mainly used for ornamental purposes, but they are also grown by beekeepers for bees to extract their nectar.
Rose Campion
Rose campion or Silene coronaria is a clump-forming perennial native to Asia and Europe. These plants have a hardy zone of 4-8 and reach a height of 2-3 feet.
Rose campion has silver-gray wooly foliage with enticing rose-magenta flowers that emerge during late spring and persists through summer.
Rose campions’ temperature preferences are similar to bluebells (60°F-70°F). They also have similar hardiness zones. However, rose campions prefer full sun exposure. They have a good tolerance for dry soil but prefer medium-moist soil. Rose campions are hardy plants, watering them once a week is sufficient.
Rose campions are used for showy pollinator attractors and decoration gardens.
Petunia
Both the scientific and common name is petunia. Petunias are annual plants native to South America and grow to 6-24 inches tall and up to 35 inches wide. They grow in a hardy zone of 10-11.
Petunias are bountiful bloomers that flower all year long. They have wide, trumpet-shaped flowers with sticky and hairy foliage. Their blooms come in a wide range of colors (pink, purple, yellow, red, orange, and white).
Petunias thrive in similar temperatures to bluebells (60°F-70°F) and require similar sun exposure of partial shade to full sun. However, petunias can tolerate temperatures right down to 40°F. Petunias want medium-moisture soil. They can tolerate a wide range of soils, as long as they drain well. Weekly watering is sufficient for these flowering annuals.
Petunias are mostly ornamental plants.
Bearded Iris
Iris germanica is the scientific name for bearded iris. These hardy, rhizomatous perennials are native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. They mature to 12-40 inches tall, and 1-2 feet wide, with a hardiness of 3-9.
Bearded iris plants have sword-like leaves and flowers with 3 petals (called standards) and 6 drooping lobes (called falls), with soft hairs along their falls, in the character of a beard. These dainty flowers come in colors of pink, red, yellow, orange, blue, purple, brown, white, and black.
Bluebells and bearded iris’ both bloom in spring. However, irises prefer sunny areas whereas bluebells prefer partial shade. Irises do not mind extreme temperatures, but they need well-drained sandy or gravelly soils. They do not need a lot of watering. Only water them when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry.
Harebells
Harebells are scientifically known as Campanula rotundifolia. These perennials are native to Eurasia and North America. They grow in hardy zones of 3-6 and mature to 12-18 inches tall, and 12 inches wide.
Harebells have petite, rounded leaves and clusters of slender stems, each carrying multiple bell-shaped blueish flowers. These dainty flowers bloom from summer to fall.
Harebells are similar in color to bluebells.
Harebells can survive inhospitable growing conditions; however, harebells prefer cool climates of 30°F-50°F. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining, sandy soil. Harebells prefer dry conditions; water them deeply, but infrequently.
Lenten Rose
Lenten roses are commonly called winter roses, but their scientific name is Helleborus x hybridus. These perennials are native to Southern Europe. They have a hardiness zone of 4-9 and grow 18-24 inches tall, and 18 inches wide.
Lenten roses have intense dark green leaves and bloom in spring. The blooms begin with a charming bud that resembles a rosebud, which later on opens into large cup-shaped nodding flowers with center crowns of contrasting yellow stamens. These blooms vary in color from purple, pink, red, yellow, green, blue, and lavender.
Lenten roses and bluebells have similar hardy zones (4-9), and both plants bloom in spring and thrive in partial shade areas.
Lenten roses can withhold minimum temperatures of -30°F-20°F. Lenten roses need rich, moist, and well-draining soil to thrive. Water them enough to keep them moist.
Lenten roses are used for ornamental purposes.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), are herbaceous perennial plants growing from a corm, that are native to Eastern North America. These unorthodox plants have hardy zones of 4-9 and grow 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Jack-in-the-pulpit is recognized for its unique flower.
The greenish-purple plant represents a long, brown spadix (“Jack”) enveloped by green and brown-streaked spathe (the hood or “pulpit”). It’s the spathe that you notice from a distance; the actual flowers are on the spadix, hooded by the spathe. Once the spathe withers away, the jack-in-the-pulpit offers a cluster of bright red berries.
Jack-in-the-pulpits have similar hardiness zones to bluebells of 4-9.
Jack-in-the-pulpits thrive in hummus-like, moist soil, and partial shade to full shade. They grow best in temperatures of 55°F-65°F. Moist soil is a must for these plants, water them frequently.
Jack-in-the-pulpit’s roots have a starch used as a stiffener for clothes. It is also used for treating ringworms and open sores.
Columbine
Columbine plants are herbaceous perennials, scientifically known as Aquilegia spp. The columbine is native to the Northern hemisphere and has a hardy zone of 3-8. Columbines grow to a mature size of 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Columbines are airy, short-lived plants with inviting clover-like foliage. They typically bloom for a short 4 weeks. These mid-spring bloomers have drooping blooms that resemble jester’s caps, with distinctive horizontal spurs and masses of bushy yellow stamens. Columbines showcase their flowers in colors of red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, salmon, and white.
Columbines and bluebells are similar in sunlight exposure (part sun to full sun), and both prefer well-drained soil.
Columbines do not tolerate excessive heat, and require a moderate amount of soil moisture; water them as soon as the first inch or two of soil dries out.
Columbine is used to treat gallbladder disorders and intestinal problems.
Jacob’s Ladder
Polemonium caeruleum, or commonly known as Jacob’s ladder, is a clump-forming perennial, native to Northern Asia and Europe. They are hardy to zones 4-9 and grow between 12-24 inches tall and 12-24-inches wide.
Jacob’s ladders bloom in mid to late spring. They have pinnate, green leaves with clusters of lavender, blue, or white cup-shaped flowers atop long stems.
Jacob’s ladder and bluebells are similar in blooming times and their bluish tones. The Jacobs ladder, however, has delicate foliage that prefers part to full shaded areas. They thrive in loose, rich, and well-drained soil. Water Jacob’s ladder frequently to keep them lush.
Jacob’s ladder is used as a hair rinse to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Tall Garden Phlox
The tall garden phlox is scientifically known as Phlox paniculata. This herbaceous perennial is native to the Eastern United States. It matures to a size of 2-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, and is hardy to zone 4-8.
The tall garden phlox is valued for its long-lasting blooms during summer. The tall garden phlox is an upright perennial with panicles of blooms on its stalk. The stalks are densely packed with pink, lilac, rosy-lavender, or white flowers in early to late summer.
The tall garden phlox requires partial to full sun, making it similar to the bluebell. The tall garden phlox requires moist, but well-drained soil and prefers moderate watering.
Tall garden phloxes are mainly used for ornamental and aesthetical purposes.
Jack Frost Brunnera
Brunnera macrophylla is the scientific name for the Jack frost brunerra, also commonly known as the false forget-me-not. This herbaceous perennial is native to Asia and Europe. It has a hardy zone of 3-8 and matures to a size of 12-18 inches tall and 18-30 inches wide.
Jack frost brunnera has beautiful heart-shaped variegated silver leaves with dark-green veins. In spring, the petite blue flowers with white centers come to life, covering the stems of the brunnera.
The jack frost brunnera and bluebells are similar in bloom time and colors of blue. However, the jack frost breunnera is best planted in partial to full shaded areas, and in temperatures of approximately 65° F. They prefer rich soil with medium drainage and need regular watering.
Jack frost brunnera is primarily used as ground covers and for ornamental purposes.
Astilbe
Astilbe is a rhizomatous flowering plant native to Asia and North America. They grow in hardy zones of 4-9, and when mature they range in sizes from 6 inches to 5 feet tall.
Astilbe bloom anywhere from mid-spring to late summer. They are perennials with glossy, fern-like foliage and beautiful, flashy flowers ranging in colors from white to pink, and purple.
Astilbe has similar hardy zones to bluebells of 4-9 and both plants prefer partially shaded areas.
Astilbe can handle harsh winter conditions. Astilbe prefers slightly dry, and well-draining soil types. Even though Astilbe prefers slightly dry soil, they do not handle drought well; water them sufficiently, but prevent soggy soil.
Astilbe is used to treat inflammation, headaches, chronic bronchitis, and cancer.
Cranesbill Geranium
Cranesbill geranium is scientifically known as Geranium spp., native to the Mediterranean. They grow in hardy zones of 4-9 and grow6-24 inches tall.
Cranesbill geraniums are low-growing, carpet-like plants that have dark green leaves with a citrusy fragrance. In late spring, these plants welcome small, beautiful cup-shaped flowers in arrays of white, lilac, violet-blue, purple, and magenta.
Bluebells and cranesbill geraniums have similar hardy zones of 4-9 and both thrive in temperatures of 60°F-70°F and prefer partial shade. However, cranesbill geranium is hardy to temperatures as low as 20°F. The cranesbill geranium prefers rich, well-drained soil, but they like to be fairly dry. Only water them when the soil is dry.
Cranesbill geraniums are used to treat many medical conditions including dysentery and diarrhea.
Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans, also called bugleweed is an herbaceous perennial native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. These ground covers are hardy to zones 3-9 grow up to 6 to 9 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide.
Bugleweed has an upright stem with ovate, dark green leaves, and produces beautiful clusters of blue, purple, or violet flower spikes during mid-to-late spring.
Like bluebells, bugleweed blooms in mid-to-late spring and thrives in partially shaded areas.
Bugleweed does well in a large variety of temperatures but thrives best with 3-4hours of sunlight daily, well-drained soil, and weekly watering.
Bugleweed is used as a traditional treatment for nosebleeds and coughs.
Bergenia
Bergenia is scientifically known as Bergenia cordifolia, native to Asia and Europe. This hardy perennial matures to 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide and is hardy to zones 4-8.
Bergenia’s have large, glossy, leathery leaves. In early spring, erect clusters of blooms are born on thick red stems. The blooms range in colors of white, pink, and red.
Similar to Bluebells, Bergenia’s can grow in most soil types and both prefer partial shade.
However, Bergenia’s are hardy plants that survive extreme climates with a wide range of extreme temperatures from -35°F-115°F. Bergenia’s prefer rich loam or clay soil and they like consistent moisture.
Bergenia is a medical plant used as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial medium.
Calypso Orchid
Calypso bulbosa or the Calypso Orchid is a rare and beautiful flower native to Eurasia and North America. The Calypso Orchid is a deciduous perennial hardy to zones 4-8 and mature to a size of 3-6 inches tall and 3 inches wide.
The Calypso Orchid is a petite and delicate plant with one oval basal leaf and small pinkish-purple flowers accented with darker purple spotting and a white lip crested with a yellow beard. Blooms may also be seen in colors of red and white.
Bluebells and Calypso Orchids both grow in partial shade and temperature ranging between 60°F-70°F.
However, the Calypso Orchid is an extremely delicate flower that needs regular watering and should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The Calypso Orchid grows in light, moist, and well-drained soil, with lots of loose and rich organic matter.
Calypso Orchid bulbs have previously been used to treat mild epilepsy.
Catmint
Catmint is a member of the mint family, scientifically known as Nepeta spp. Catmint is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is hardy to zones 4-8 and grows between 10-24 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Catmint is a late-spring to summer bloomer. It has aromatic gray-green, lacy foliage topped with attractive flower spikes in shades of white, pink, blue, or lavender.
Catmint and bluebells have similar temperature preferences of 60°F-70°F. Both plants grow well in most soil types. However, catmint prefers dry soil conditions. Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot with dry and well-draining soil. Once rooted, catmint is drought tolerant and does not need frequent watering.
Catmint is used to treat or prevent insomnia, fever, and poor digestion.
Liverleaf
Hepatica nobilis is a perennial flower commonly known as liverleaf. Liverleaf is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Liverleaf has a hardy zone of 5-8 and grows up to 5 inches tall.
Liverleaf is an early-blooming wildflower made up of several stems and a single flower per stem. The flowers are delicate bowl-shaped flowers, most common in shades of bright blue or lavender. They do however come in shades of white or pink too.
Bluebells and liverleaf flowers both bloom in spring, prefer partial shade, and tolerate a wide variety of soil types. Liverleaf thrives in low 70°F’s. Liverleaf is not drought tolerant and does best in consistently moist soil.
Liverleaf is used for its diuretic and antibiotic properties. It has been used for liver and gallbladder ailments, as well as for coughing and bronchitis.
New York Ironweed
Vernonia noveboracensis, otherwise known as New York Ironweed is a perennial wildflower native to the Eastern part of the United States. It is hardy to zones 5-9 and matures in sizes ranging from 4-7 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
New York Ironweed is a towering plant with upright stems carrying deep green, lance-shaped leaves. In late summer it boasts a loosely branched cluster of fluffy, finely petaled bright purple florets.
New York Ironweeds can adapt to many different types of soil, similar to bluebells. Both plants thrive in partial shade, however, New York weed prefers full sun, New York Ironweed needs to be watered every 2-3days.
New York Ironweed is used for many medical purposes including skin rashes, hemorrhaging, and passing kidney stones.
Sea Lavender
Sea lavender is a perennial scientifically known as Limonium latifolium. Sea lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and matures to 1-3 feet tall and up to 2 feet wide.
Sea lavender has red-tinted stems and large attractive leathery, oval leaves. In mid-summer, frothy masses of tiny, paper-like purple flowers.
Sea lavender thrives in similar temperatures as bluebells of 60°F-70°F, and both plants thrive in partially shaded areas. However, sea lavender does not thrive in any type of soil; sea lavender prefers sandy soil. Sea lavender is drought tolerant and only needs occasional watering.
Sea lavender is commonly used for dried flower arrangements.
Viscaria
Silene viscaria is a perennial native to Europe, North America, and Asia. It grows 12-18 inches tall and has a hardiness zone of 3-8.
Viscaria is an erect, stiff-stemmed plant with slightly hairy, opposite leaves. In summer it produces small symmetrical purple flowers with 5 petals and a gummy, viscous substance.
The Viscaria is similar to bluebells in sun exposure (partially shaded) and water requirements (once per week). Similar to the bluebell, it can also grow in various soil types, however, the soil should be well-drained. Viscaria thrives best in sandy or loamy soil and temperatures of 64°F-68°F.
Viscaria is used for ornamental purposes.
Wishbone Flowers
Torenia fournieri or commonly called wishbone flowers are native to Asia. They grow in a wide range of hardy zones from 2-11 and mature in sizes of 6-12 inches tall and 6-9 inches wide.
Wishbone flowers have stamens that unite at the anthers in a shape resembling a chicken wishbone. They have ovate, light green leaves and in summer they bloom trumpet-shaped flowers borne on terminal clusters, primarily in a dark blue-purple color.
Wishbone flowers and bluebells both thrive in partially shaded areas and similar temperatures of approximately 70°F. Wishbone flowers however grow in moist, well-drained, and loamy soil. They need to be watered whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
Wishbone flowers are used for ornamental purposes.
References:
live-native.com – a better natural, green way of living
The Spruce – Make Your Best Home
