The British Bluebell is under attack from mainly the Spanish Bluebell, although the Spaniards have an ally in the Siberian Bluebell.
The British Bluebell is a protected plant now, which means we can’t go and pick them from your local bluebell woods anymore without risking prosecution.
Unlike the Black Squirrel the Spanish Bluebell doesn’t just take over but interbreeds with our native species to form a hybrid. The hybrid is a paler blue with wider petals, doesn’t hang like the British Bluebell and the hybrid is virulent.
I’ve started my contribution to the fight back by buying 200 English Bluebells bulbs last autumn and setting aside a small corner of my back garden for them. Plus a couple of dozen Siberian Bluebells.
The Russians have been in flower for a few weeks now (well they would coming from Siberia) and I just noticed this morning that the English Bluebell is starting to flower.
SAVE THE BRITISH BLUEBELL!
Set aside a small dapple shaded corner of your garden and in autumn buy some British Bluebell bulbs and plant them. Your local garden centre should have them and if not you can buy them on-line.