English Bluebells

In spring, woodland, heath and hedgerow take on a deep blue hue, as English bluebells begin to flower. Sadly this native flower is under threat from a European migrant, the Spanish bluebell, a much more vigorous plant, that invades the English bluebell's natural habitat. Originally brought in to decorate gardens, the Spanish bluebell is taking over.

 Species diversity is important, so if you have Spanish bluebells in your garden now is the time to dig them up, destroy them and replant the native English variety.  However, this may take quite a bit of effort, as the bulbs seem almost indestructible!  Even a tiny bit of bulb left in the soil seems to thrive, so you may need more than one attempt.

How do you know that the plant in your garden is a Spanish Bluebell rather than English?  This little guide might give you some pointers:

Colour: A deep lilac/blue

Scent: Glorious scent

Anthers: Cream

Perianth (flower): Cylindrical, with gracefully curved tips

Habit: Flower spike bends over so that the four to sixteen flowers hang in a graceful curve.

Flowering:  April to June

Colour:  Paler blue

Scent:  None

Atnhers: Blue

perianth:  cylindrical with straight tips

Habit: upright flower spike with flowers distributed around it

Flowering:  May 

 There are unscrupulous dealers who dig up native English bluebells to sell, thus further depleting this delicate species, so it's important to buy bulbs from a reputable dealer, or why not try growing them from seed.