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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Native Bluebell is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Native Bluebell after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Native Bluebell with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Native Bluebell seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.