I love everything Spanish; the sun, the landscape, the architecture, the wine, the painters, tapas, Cava and Nadal. The only thing we do better in Blighty is the bluebell woods.
The English Bluebell.
The two plants are easy to tell apart. English bluebells (and Irish ones) have narrow leaves, white pollen, slender flowers, blooms that hang from a curved stem, only on one side, and dark blue flowers. English Bluebells are very beautiful, have a purply tinge, you can find white and pink ones as well. The dark blue stems bend over gracefully and the little bells all come on one side. Plus they have the most lovely scent.
The Spanish bluebell.
The Spanish imposters are more robust with broad leaves, sturdy, upright flower scapes with flowers all around them, broad bells and blue pollen. Spanish Bluebells are the invaders! They are stronger, have thicker stems and have the little bells all around the stem so they don’t bend over but stay upright. Mine grow through Tarmac and brick and the bulbs can be up to three feet underground.
The two can cross pollinate, and sadly, if the spread of the Spanish Bluebell is not halted we will lose our delicate English bluebells.
WARNING if you like Spanish bluebells don't read the next paragraph.
To combat an infestation, dig up the bulbs and drown, mash, microwave or dry them thoroughly before composting them. It may take searing summer heat or attic dryness to render the bulbs a fatal blow. Maybe it is more practical to try drowning them: put them into a tub of water for a few months. The leaves and flowers can be composted with no fear of their resurrection. Ever.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The English Bluebell.
The two plants are easy to tell apart. English bluebells (and Irish ones) have narrow leaves, white pollen, slender flowers, blooms that hang from a curved stem, only on one side, and dark blue flowers. English Bluebells are very beautiful, have a purply tinge, you can find white and pink ones as well. The dark blue stems bend over gracefully and the little bells all come on one side. Plus they have the most lovely scent.
The Spanish bluebell.
The Spanish imposters are more robust with broad leaves, sturdy, upright flower scapes with flowers all around them, broad bells and blue pollen. Spanish Bluebells are the invaders! They are stronger, have thicker stems and have the little bells all around the stem so they don’t bend over but stay upright. Mine grow through Tarmac and brick and the bulbs can be up to three feet underground.
The two can cross pollinate, and sadly, if the spread of the Spanish Bluebell is not halted we will lose our delicate English bluebells.
WARNING if you like Spanish bluebells don't read the next paragraph.
To combat an infestation, dig up the bulbs and drown, mash, microwave or dry them thoroughly before composting them. It may take searing summer heat or attic dryness to render the bulbs a fatal blow. Maybe it is more practical to try drowning them: put them into a tub of water for a few months. The leaves and flowers can be composted with no fear of their resurrection. Ever.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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