BLUEBELLS

This time of the year has to be one of my favourites after the winter.  The bright blue of the bluebell is a sign of the colour to come in April and May in our woodlands, hedgerows and along our grass verges.

Did you know that there are two types of bluebell, the English/British bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripts and the Spanish bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica.  Both varieties can be seen throughout the UK.  The Spanish bluebell grows faster than the native one and is a threat to our traditional bluebell because of cross- breeding.  They both attract bees, butterflies and other insects because of their nectar. The UK is home to half the world’s bluebells.

The distinguishing features of the English/British bluebell are:-

• flower petals are a deep purple
• the flower spike droops to one side
• pollen is colourless
• the flower petals are curved and in a tube
• highly perfumed

Whereas as the Spanish bluebell has other distinguishing features:-

• pale coloured petals in a light blue but can also be white/pink
• erect and spiked flower petals
• blue / green pollen

All bluebells flower annually and can take 5-7 year’s to develop and if damaged recover very slowly.  Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 the native bluebell is protected. They only flower for approx 2 weeks.  Traditionally bluebell were a woodland flower although we now see them in hedgerows, in parkland and along road verges. 

If you fancy growing your own they prefer acidic, moist well-draining soil and a shady position.  Plant them in the Autumn although green bulbs can be planted in the Spring.   They may take 2 years to flower but colonies/groups may take between 5 & 7years to flower.  Self-sowing can produce a good display but plenty of patience is needed!