Across the country we can now see spectacular displays of carpets of bluebells. However, along with our native Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) we also have the introduced Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica). The Spanish Bluebell was introduced as a garden plant by the Victorians but is now cross-breeding with our native Bluebell to produce fertile hybrids (Hyacinthoides x massarttiana) with a mix of characteristics. There is growing concern that the Spanish Bluebell could dilute the gene pool of our native Bluebell or perhaps even replace it.
Characteristics of our native Bluebell
- Deep violet-blue flowers (but occasionally white or pink)
- Flower stems have a distinctive droop
- Flowers are on one side of stem
- Narrow bell-shaped flower, petal tips curl back
- Sweetly scented
- Creamy white pollen
Characteristics of the Spanish Bluebell
- Chalky-blue flowers
- Upright stems
- Tapering bell-shaped flowers with flared tips
- Blue pollen
- No scent