Ceylon Bluebells Plant Care

Ceylon Bluebells (Trichodesma zeylanicum) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Trichodesma genus. Ceylon Bluebells is native to Australia. Ceylon Bluebells is also known as Blue Bells.

Ceylon Bluebells displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Ceylon Bluebells produces small, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ceylon Bluebells every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Ceylon Bluebells thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Trichodesma zeylanicum tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Ceylon Bluebells prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Ceylon Bluebells to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ceylon Bluebells every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ceylon Bluebells is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Ceylon Bluebells can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Ceylon Bluebells while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Ceylon Bluebells is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ceylon Bluebells can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to smooth beeplant plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Ceylon Bluebells is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Ceylon Bluebells grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ceylon Bluebells is native to Australia. In cooler regions, grow Ceylon Bluebells as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.