Experts say many gardeners don’t realise this fast-spreading plant is threatening
Plant experts warn that many homeowners have the fast-spreading plants growing unknowingly in their gardens(Image: Getty Images)
Households across the UK are being told to check their gardens for signs of a little-known invasive plant. Spanish bluebells were originally introduced as garden plants, but their ability to spread rapidly means they are now one of the ‘biggest threats’ to English bluebells.
Plant experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk are now warning that many homeowners may already have the fast-spreading plants growing unknowingly in their gardens, and are being urged to check for them this May.
Spanish bluebells grow faster, produce more seeds and easily hybridise with native varieties, creating crossbreeds that dilute the UK’s iconic woodland flower.
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Meanwhile, native bluebells are a protected species and a vital part of the UK’s natural heritage. Once Spanish bluebells escape gardens, they can spread into nearby countryside and woodlands, making gardens a key battleground in protecting the native species.
Experts say many gardeners are unintentionally helping the problem grow, often because they don’t realise the difference between the two plants.
With bluebell season underway, homeowners are now being urged to learn how to identify Spanish bluebells in case they need to take action in their gardens.
“Spanish bluebells grow upright, with flowers all around the stem, whereas native bluebells droop to one side in a curved shape,” Gardening Express says.
“The Spanish varieties are often pale blue or lilac, and can sometimes appear pink or white, while native bluebells are usually deep violet-blue. There are also differences in scent and foliage – native bluebells have a strong, sweet fragrance, whereas Spanish bluebells have little to no scent and their leaves are broader and thicker compared with the narrow leaves of native plants.”
Homeowners often don’t realise the difference between Spanish and English bluebells(Image: Getty Images)
Spanish bluebells are not on the government’s list of invasive plants in England and Wales. However, they are considered an invasive non-native plant in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, while in Scotland, it is an offence to plant any non-native plant in the wild.
Chris Bonnett, plant expert and founder of Gardening Express, added: “Spanish bluebells can spread more easily than our native species, so gardeners need to be aware of how quickly they can multiply.
“The biggest risk comes from gardens, where they may be planted for their beauty but can spread beyond boundaries through seeds, bulbs and garden waste if left unchecked.
“Gardeners play a crucial role in protecting native bluebells. Even a single garden population can establish in surrounding areas within a few years, so early identification and careful management can make a big difference.”
Spanish bluebells spread through underground bulbs(Image: Getty Images)
Five ways homeowners can control Spanish bluebells in their gardens:
Dig up bulbs carefully
Spanish bluebells spread through underground bulbs, so removing the entire bulb is essential to controlling the plant.
Dispose of plants properly
Never compost them or dump garden waste in the countryside. Bag plants and dispose of them via general waste.
Avoid planting or sharing bulbs
Even giving bulbs to friends or neighbours can spread the invasive species further afield.
Monitor your garden each spring
New plants can regrow from missed bulbs or seeds.
Choose native alternatives
Plant native bluebells or other UK-friendly spring flowers instead.
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