In the language of flowers, the bluebell is a symbol of humility, constancy, gratitude and everlasting love. It is said that if you turn a bluebell flower inside-out without tearing it, you will win the one you love, and if you wear a wreath of bluebells you will only be able to speak the truth.
What month do bluebells bloom?
Bluebells usually flower from late March to early May, but it does vary from year to year. They are one of the last spring flowers to bloom before the woodland canopy closes up and new leaves block out the sunlight.
What colour is bluebell?
Bluebells flower in colours ranging from white (quite common), through to grey, pale blue, lilac to dark cobalt. There is also a variegated form with flowers that look as though they are white-bells dipped in blue water-colour paint.
Where do bluebells grow in the world?
Bluebells flower in April and May and in the UK and there are two types of bluebell which grow wild. These include the native bluebell, which is also known as the English or British bluebell, (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and the Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica), which can now be found across much of Britain.
What do bluebells represent? – Related Questions
Which country has the most bluebells?
However, almost half the world’s bluebells are found in the UK as they’re relatively rare in the rest of the world. In most of southern England, they dominate large areas of ancient woodland.
What animals eat bluebells?
Cattle and deer feed on the leaves of the bluebells and also damage them by crushing them. starch found in the bulbs to stiffen their ruffs . The Lesser Celandine is native to Europe including the British Isles, the Caucuses and Northern Africa, and has also been introduced to North America.
Why does the UK have so many bluebells?
Bluebells under threat
Victorians brought the Spanish bluebell, common in Europe, back to their English country gardens. It spread quickly, and now this invasive species is gaining ground on the British bluebell.
Do bluebells grow in Australia?
Australian Bluebell is one of 21 Australian Wahlenbergia species; 19 of these are found in NSW, including Royal Bluebell (Wahlenbergia gloriosa), the floral emblem of the ACT. Wahlenbergia belongs to the same family (Campanulaceae) as the widely cultivated Bellflowers (Campanula).
Where do bluebell flowers grow?
Quick Reference Growing Guide
| Plant Type: | Perennial flowering bulb | Blue (rarely pink or white)/green |
|---|
| Native to: | Western Europe | Low |
| Hardiness (USDA Zone): | 5-8 | Deer, rabbits |
| Bloom Time: | Spring | Loam, sand |
| Exposure: | Full to dappled shade | 5.5-7.5 |
Are bluebells native to America?
Virginia bluebells is a native woodland wildflower. Virginia bluebells is a native wildflower found in moist woodlands and river flood plains in eastern North America from New York to Minnesota up into Canada (Ontario and Quebec), and from Kansas to Alabama.
What is the myth of the bluebells?
Bluebells in myth and folklore
In folklore, bluebells were said to ring when fairies were summoning their kin to a gathering; but if a human heard the sound, it would be their death knell. Not surprisingly, it was considered unlucky to trample on a bed of bluebells, because you would anger the fairies resting there.
Are blue Bells invasive?
This plant is considered invasive for the Pacific Northwest as it can spread by underground runners. It easily grows in the shade. Pests: No serious insect or disease problems.
Do bluebells attract bees?
Bluebells grow well along a hedge or under trees and provide a great early food source for bees. Flowers: May to September. Plant native bluebell bulbs to give bees an early spring feast.
Can you eat bluebells?
All parts of the bluebell plant contain toxic glycosides that are poisonous to humans, dogs, horses and cattle. If any part of the plant is eaten, it can cause serious stomach upset, and if consumed in large quantities, may be fatal. The bulbs are easily mistaken for spring onions or garlic.
Do bluebells spread?
Bluebells can spread rapidly. They seed freely and often hybridize when grown together. The bulbs can also persist in garden compost heaps.
What to do with bluebells when they finish flowering?
Allow the foliage to die down naturally after flowering. It is a good idea to remove the faded flower spikes before they set seed to prevent the plants self-seeding and spreading where they aren’t wanted. Bluebells are rarely troubled by any pests or diseases.
Do bluebells bloom more than once?
Bluebells are an ephemeral, which means their blooms don’t last long. They aren’t quite blink-or-you’ll-miss-them quick, but these aren’t flowers that will linger into the summer.
Can you dig up bluebells and replant them?
Divide and replant the clumps after flowering and before the leaves die back. Bear in mind that it’s illegal to dig up clumps of bluebells in the wild, and this method applies to bluebells growing in gardens, only. You can also save seed from bluebells and sow them immediately in pots of compost.
Should you cut back bluebells?
Pruning and caring for bluebells
Once leaves have turned yellow, cut them at their base. Don’t cut them any earlier, since the plant needs to drain its leaves from all their nutrients to prepare for the following blooming cycle. Bluebells should normally propagate themselves naturally as years go by.
How long do bluebells last for?
The Hyacinthoides non-scripta, or native bluebell, spends most of the year underground. Then suddenly, due to mild spring temperatures, they begin to flower in April and, if we’re lucky, last until the end of May. For as long as two months, woodland across the UK is suddenly carpeted with cobalt.