Not quite as impressive as a voluptuous sea of bluebells in an ancient woodland, their sweet and enchanting smell greeting you before your eyes meet the haze of blue, this single flowering bluebell on our patch is still a cause for the celebration of spring. I planted a few bulbs in autumn, a year and a half ago, and, as I've needed to relocate a few, I'm happy that any have flowered at all. I am considering buying a few more 'in the green' to compliment those that are beginning to show and create a more impressive display... or I might wait until autumn to buy some more bulbs.
If you are tempted to create your own swathe of bluebells this spring, take care to select the English bluebell, Hyacunthoides non-scripta, rather than the Spanish bluebell. Not only is our native bluebell more delicate, with only one side of the flower spike bearing flowers, causing the 'bells' to nod, and more fragrant (the Spanish bluebell has no scent), we also need to protect our local bluebell woods. The two species will readily hybridise, and the Spanish bluebell may dilute our native species and, ultimately, threaten their survival.
Whether you love bluebells for their own sake, because they create a beautiful display in woodlands, or for their greater wildlife benefit - they are attractive to a variety of pollinators - they make a gorgeous addition to any garden, especially if you're struggling for something to grow in a shady spot. Just make sure they are English bluebells, and that they come from a reputable supplier.
References:
https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/plant-fungi-species/bluebell (accessed 15/04/2020)
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