A dainty native perennial sending up wiry stems topped with nodding sky-blue bells from spring to autumn. A charming, self-seeding filler for cottage and meadow plantings.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 50 cm H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Native Bluebell
Wahlenbergia stricta is a fast-growing perennial in the Campanulaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. It reaches around 50 cm tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Blue and purple flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Native Bluebell
Native Bluebell suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Native Bluebell does best in free-draining, sandy and clay soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Native Bluebell performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Native Bluebell after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Native Bluebell in the garden
Native Bluebell earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, cut flowers for the vase and feeding bees and pollinators. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate as Native Bluebell. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Native Bluebell
Plant Sale lists Native Bluebell as tube stock, potted plants, advanced specimens and seed. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Native Bluebell seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
