How invasive are Spanish bluebells?
Also bear in mind that Spanish bluebells are extremely invasive and may outgrow their welcome. Plant dormant bulbs in autumn in partial shade where their invasive tendencies won’t harm nearby plants. Deadhead after flowering to avoid seeding. It is possible that this lady had Spanish bluebells in her garden and they certainly can become invasive. The best way to get rid of excess bluebells is to hand dig them, while in growth, and let them dry out before composting, or let them rot in a bucket of water.Cut back wilted stems to the base of spanish bluebell where they emerge from the ground. Make clean, straight cuts to avoid jagged edges that could harbor pests or disease. Clean up all trimmed off parts from around spanish bluebell to deter pests and prevent fungal diseases.It’s against the law to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy bluebells. Bluebells have soft, succulent leaves that are particularly sensitive to being trodden on. Once the leaves are damaged, they are unable to absorb the sun and photosynthesise, so they die back.Dense clumps of bluebells may eventually out-compete more delicate spring plants or spread to the ‘wrong’ place in your garden. Removing heads after flowering will help prevent spreading and unwanted bulbs can be dug up during the growing season when they are more easily found.
Can I dig up bluebells?
It’s illegal to pick or dig up wild bluebells so make sure your new plants have been cultivated by a reputable source and that they haven’t been imported from abroad. What is the easiest way to kill bluebells? If you have bluebells growing where they aren’t wanted, there are a few methods of control: Dig out whole clumps – use a spade or garden fork to dig up clumps and remove all the bulbs and underground parts, looking closely for small offset bulbs.Spanish bluebell is hardy, robust and easy to grow, but it can be invasive, spreading both by seed and by bulb, and is difficult to get rid of.Bluebells are legally protected and it is against the law to dig them up from the wild. Make sure you ask your garden centre, nursery or online supplier to confirm the bulbs are cultivated, not wild–collected and also that they are both sourced and grown in the UK.
What is the myth about bluebells?
There was a belief that bluebells were used in witches’ potions. Others believed that anyone who wanders into a ring of bluebells will fall under fairy enchantment, or that anyone who hears the ringing of the flower’s bell will be visited by a malicious fairy and die soon after. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) Folk tales and myths often depict fields of bluebells as dwelling places for spirits and fairies, signifying realms of mourning and loss. A popular choice for gardeners across the world, these mums have a long history of meaning in both Asia and Europe.Bluebells in superstition There was a belief that bluebells were used in witches’ potions. Others believed that anyone who wanders into a ring of bluebells will fall under fairy enchantment, or that anyone who hears the ringing of the flower’s bell will be visited by a malicious fairy and die soon after.
Do bluebells grow back?
Do bluebells come back every year? Bluebells are a perennial plant so if you follow the tips here, they will keep coming back every spring to decorate your garden with their beautiful blue blooms. Bluebells are perennials which means that they will bloom every year. A bulbous perennial known for bell-shaped blooms and strappy leaves, spanish bluebell benefits from post-flowering pruning. Cut back foliage only after it yellows, which recycles nutrients to the bulbs. Prune damaged or faded flowers to encourage bulb strength.
Are bluebells protected?
UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, so please don’t pick or uproot the plants, and be careful not to trample over woodland flowers! Should I use weedkiller? No – bluebells are strongly resistant to weedkillers and it appears that no garden weedkiller is effective at controlling them.