california bluebell

How does California bluebell grow?

California Bluebell seeds should be started directly outside with optimum germination temperatures of 50 - 55 degrees. Sow the Desert Bluebell wild flower seeds 1/16 inch deep before the last frost of spring. Darkness and shade are two important factors that can help California Bluebell flower seed to germinate.

Why is picking bluebells illegal?

The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). ... The species was also listed on Schedule 8 of the Act in 1998, which makes trading in wild bluebell bulbs and seeds an offence. This legislation was designed to protect bluebell from unscrupulous bulb collectors who supply garden centres.

Do bluebells like sun or shade?

If we take a cue from their natural habitat it will be no surprise to learn that bluebells thrive in partial shade, under deciduous trees or shrubs and need moist but well-drained soil.

What month do you plant bluebells?

Bluebells can be planted in the spring as ready plants, or more economically as bulbs in the Autumn.

How do you grow phacelia Campanularia?

Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, pressing into the surface of the soil since this seed needs light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.

Is it legal to pick bluebells?

Since 1998, native bluebells have been protected by Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA). It is illegal for anyone to collect native bluebells in the wild for the purpose of selling them.

Why do bluebells turn white?

White Bluebells

“Very occasionally, within a population of bluebells, a genetic mutation may occur, which results in a white flowered bluebell. ... Bluebells are under threat from habitat destruction and hybridisation with non-native bluebells and can also be badly damaged by trampling.

Are pink bluebells rare?

All three bluebell species can be found in pink or white versions. These occur as rare natural mutations but are often propagated and sold by the nursery trade. It is quite likely that genetic material of each colour has been introduced onto campus numerous times in the past.

Do bluebells grow back every year?

Do bluebells come back every year? As a perennial plant, bluebells flower every year. Bluebell colonies take between 5-7 years so develop and can take some time to recover if damaged.

How poisonous are bluebells?

All parts of the bluebell plant contain toxic glycocides 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.

Are bluebells poisonous to dogs?

Bluebell plants and bulbs contain 'scillarens', chemicals that reduce the heart rate. This can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and disorientation in dogs.

What do you do with dead bluebells?

If you leave them a bit longer the leaves will have time to fatten up the bulbs for next year. The longer you can stand leaving the leaves in place, the better your bluebell flowers will be next year. You can take the dead flower heads off though if you like.

Can You Grow Bluebells in pots?

For containers

Bluebells can also be planted in containers in the same soil conditions, (good-quality, well-drained soil). Ensure there are adequate draining holes. Place in part shade. Lift the bulbs once flowered and plant elsewhere in the garden.

Can you plant snowdrops and bluebells together?

A nice mixture of aconites and snowdrops growing in perfect harmony. Many people prefer to plant snowdrops, aconites and bluebells in full leaf, i.e." in the green".

Do bluebells multiply?

Although the native English bluebell and the larger Spanish bluebell are often grown in gardens, they can multiply and become a nuisance, requiring control.

Is it illegal to pick bluebells in Ireland?

It is illegal to cut, uproot or damage the listed species in any way, or to offer them for sale.

How do you kill bluebells?

Kill bluebell bulbs by adding a little bit more effort. Lay the bulbs out on sheets of cardboard where they'll get full sunlight for a month. After they've dried up from the sunshine, pile all the bulbs in a black plastic bag and toss it under the deck or behind a bush until next spring.

When can I cut down 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.

What are the white flowers that look like bluebells?

Allium triquetrium (snowbell) is a plant you might have considered as many other things, possibly a white bluebell, wild garlic or maybe a snowdrop. This could be why it has attributed so many names, most commonly; three-cornered garlic, three-cornered leek, onion weed, three-sided snowbell, to name a few.

Are white bluebells edible?

Bluebells are toxic to humans, dogs and cattle, they can cause serious stomach upset and if eaten in large doses could be fatal. Top Tip: Always check through the plants that you have foraged before eating or preparing them.