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Not English bluebells right?

dangermousiedangermousie Posts: 356
in Problem solving
This is the second time I've ordered English bluebells and got something else. These are hybrids? Where can I get actual English bluebells when the time comes? I have to be 100% sure because it's for the woodland rather than my garden. Thanks 
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  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I can't quite make it out, but they look like spanish bluebells or hybrids to me. English ones are much more delicate-looking with graceful droopy flowers, and white/cream-coloured pollen. If they have blue pollen they're spanish or hybrids (although hybrids can also have white pollen). There's a good guide here https://www.wildsheffield.com/wildlife/wildlife-conservation/true-bluebells-2/bluebell-id-guide/
    I don't know whether you'd be able to tell the difference from the bulbs so maybe you could buy some in flower? Probably more expensive though.

    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Broadleigh are a reliable source 
    https://broadleigh.dejager.co.uk/205/Nutans-Hyacinthoides-non-scriptus

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    If they are intended for woodland planting, perhaps one of your local Woodland Trusts or Wildlife Societies could help with a guide to a reliable source ?
    Good luck with your project - nothing to beat a "real" Bluebell Wood  :)
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    Yes, they definitely look too upright for native bluebells, but the Spanish ones have much wider leaves, so I'd agree they look like hybrids. I bought some British ones in March, definitely the right leaf shape, although I hoped they'd flower this year.. did you buy bulbs or babies? 
  • LeadFarmerLeadFarmer Posts: 1,500
    Out of interest, I was told by an expert recently that what we refer to as Spanish bluebells aren't actually Spanish bluebells, instead they are a hybrid. Actual Spanish bluebells are very rare.
  • LeadFarmerLeadFarmer Posts: 1,500
    For reference, these are the English Bluebell bulbs I bought a couple of years ago, growing amongst some daffs..




  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    I'm not so sure; they could well be  Hyacinthoides non-scripta, the English version and look like it to me.  The colour is right and English bluebells have the flowers predominantly growing up one side of the stalk like those in your picture.  Hybrids generally seem much lighter in colour to me than your picture.

    I get your point @dangermousie about wanting to be sure as I live near a bluebell wood too and when I wanted some for my garden I bought from broadleigh but be warned they did not come from broadleigh but some firm they had contracted out to; can't remember the name.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • dangermousiedangermousie Posts: 356
    Slow-worm said:
    did you buy bulbs or babies? 
    I got them in the green, thinking I would know the small leaves and be safe. But I've been had! :)
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited May 2023
    Have you thought of seeds?  My bit of woodland produces thousands of seeds a year; I'm not expanding and need little for repacement.  Try and find a local source.

    It's like buying a dog:  see the parents.  If your wood is suitable for English bluebells, sow them immediately they will be flowering in 4 years.  Maybe sooner, I've never timed them.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,093
    They grow from scattered seed very easily
    Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
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