Bluebells

Bluebells are found throughout the British Isles and Ireland; indeed, over half the world’s population of bluebells is here. But this blue flower that epitomises springtime is in danger…

Bluebells – what’s in a name?

Hyacinthoides non scripta, the spring flowering bluebell, is also known as the wild hyacinth. Like the garden Hyacinth, it has sweetly scented flowers and is a bulbous perennial. The bluebell is in the genus Hyacinthus, the non scripta distinguishes it from the classical hyacinth. (Which you may know better as a forced bulb to scent our homes art Christmas time).

This current botanical Latin name for the Bluebell was last amended in 1991. However, the name changed three times during the 1980s! From being known as Scilla nutans, the name became Endymion non scriptus. This was altered to Scilla non scripta before eventually arriving at Hyacinthoides non scripta in 1991.

A Bluebell Legend

Endymion non scriptus, a previous Latin or binomial name for the bluebell, has links with Greek mythology.

In one version of the legend, Endymion was a handsome shepherd who was in love with and loved by Selene, the moon goddess. When Zeus, king of the gods gave him a choice of destinies, he chose sleep in order to retain his youth and gain immortality. Not quite sure how this ties in with Selene and Endymion having many children, but that’s gods for you!

A different version makes Endymion an astronomer and the first human to observe the moon’s cycle. According to Pliny the Elder this would account for his being the lover of Selene the moon goddess. But whether shepherd or astronomer, Endymion would be out at night observing the sky. And so would have had the opportunity to see and be seen by Selene.

Note:
Pliny the Elder, naturalist, is one of chief sources we have for Roman gardens, the flora available to gardeners and agricultural techniques in the 1st century AD. He was killed when Pompeii erupted.

Is the Scottish bluebell related to the English?

The Scottish bluebell, also known as the Harebell, is Campanula rotundifolia, a summer flowering plant; it is not a bulb. In Scotland, the English bluebell is often referred to as wild hyacinth. However, most but not all, will know that the blue spring flowering plant is the bluebell that grows in woods throughout the UK and Ireland.

4 fun facts about Bluebells

The sap from bluebell roots has been used as an adhesive in bookbinding and to glue feathers to arrows.
Crushed bluebell bulbs contain starch – this was used to stiffen the fashionable ruffs in Elizabethan England.
Bees sometimes bite a hole in the top of the flower to more easily steal the nectar.
Bluebells have been used to create a styptic, which would stop bleeding and create a sort of plaster across small wounds. (More glue).

Bluebells – Native species vs Spanish invaders

Not since the Spanish Armada in 1588 has Britain been under such a threat. Well, that’s one perspective, certainly, and possibly not untrue. The main issue is not just that the Spanish bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica, is more vigorous than our native.

The real worry is that crossbreeding easily occurs. Some of the resulting hybrids, Hyacinthoides non scripta x Hyacinthoides hispanica, or Hyacinthoides x massartiana, are less easy to distinguish from the native.

A simplified table of differences –

British Native Bluebell

narrow leaves, c ½ inch or 1.5cm wide
has flowers at the top of the stem
flowers droop to one side
flowers have a narrow bell shape, tips fold back
scented flowers
flowers are usually a deep violet blue, with some lighter shades
occasional a white sport is found amongst the blue flowers
pollen is pale cream colour

Spanish Bluebell

wide leaves, over an inch or 3-4cm wide
has flowers all-round the stem
upright stem
flowers are conical, bell shaped, with spread out tips
pale blue flowers
white and pink forms found quite frequently
very little, if any, scent
pollen is usually blue in colour

Hybrid Bluebell

whole range of intermediate characteristics from the above two
often abundant in gardens
in woods near to urban areas

With some hybrids, as they look so similar to the native, that it seems that DNA testing is the only means of establishing their true identity.

There are various scientific studies being carried out to evaluate the threat to the native bluebell from both the Spanish species and hybrids.

If you have non-native bluebells in your garden, especially if you live near bluebell woods, please consider digging them up and replacing with the native species. You will benefit too, the native British bluebell is a prettier flower and has a delicate scent for you to enjoy. And of course bees, butterflies and other pollinators will thank you. You don’t even need a woodland garden, see our blog below for some ideas.

Bluebells – the legal bit

In the UK, Hyacinthoides non scripta is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Trade in wild bulbs and seeds has been illegal since 1998. However, the bluebell is not protected in the Republic of Ireland.

Perhaps the important thing to remember when buying bluebells, is to purchase them from a reputable nursery. That way you’ll know that they’re the native species and not dug up illegally.

Bluebells – growing them in your garden

Hyacinthoides non scripta, the native bluebell, is a good spring flowering plant for areas of dappled shade in your garden. This might be a woodland edge or just part of a flower border that receives some morning sun. Do see the blog link below for more on creating a woodland edge planting scheme in your garden even when you don’t possess a wood. And of course the bluebell is one of those ‘essential’ plants for a wildlife garden, as the nectar rich flowers provide food for bees and butterflies.

However, the sap can be a skin irritant so take care when handling. Indeed, all parts of the bluebell contain glycosides, so its best not to eat them either (unless you’re a bee).

If you would like a real life, on-site or a virtual garden design visit to inspire you further do get in touch Creating a woodland edge garden and finding practical ways of adding wildlife gardening into your life can be easier to accomplish than you might think! Plews is able to offer you Garden Design and Planting Designs.

Or perhaps you would prefer gardening lessons in your own garden? Because where better to learn about what’s relevant to you as a gardener? Plews Gardening Courses and Lessons are bespoke to you and your garden and combine hands on confidence giving with necessary ‘why we do this’ reasons.

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