Are Spanish bluebells invasive and should you dig them up?

Leader Live

a day ago

Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) are a slightly larger version of Hyacinthoides non-scripta, which is the native version of bluebells to the UK.
They are stronger growing than native bluebells as they seed more freely, meaning they can quickly invade your garden.
According to Gardeners' World, they can also hybridise with the native bluebell, with this form having the possibility to escape gardens and out-compete it in rural areas.
Spanish bluebells can hybridise with the native UK bluebell (Image: Getty Images)
Some people from the UK aren't a fan because of the potential threat to the native bluebell, with an individual on the r/GardeningUK Reddit page calling it "the ruiner of gardens".
The native and Spanish bluebell look very similar, but there are a few subtle differences which can help tell them apart.
Spanish bluebells have broad leaves (around 3cm wide), while the native species has smaller ones at around 1-1.5cm wide.
Additionally, the Spanish bluebells have no scent, have upright stems and flowers all around the stem.
In comparison, the native species has a sweet scent, distinctly drooping stems and flowers on one side of the stem, according to the Wildlife Trust.
The charity Plantlife recommends that you don't grow them if you live near a native bluebell colony.
This prevents any accidental hybridisation and therefore protects the native British bluebell.
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.
If care is taken when planting Spanish bluebells in the garden, you shouldn't need to dig them up.
However, it is important to dispose of cuttings or bulbs carefully and not plant them in the wild.
The Wildlife Trust adds: "If you fancy planting bluebells in a shady part of your garden, try to pick the native variety.
"Not only will you help to prevent the spread of invasive, non-native species into the wider countryside, but you will also provide food and shelter for a range of our native insects, from bees to butterflies."
If you want to dig them up, they are a deep-rooting plant that is difficult to get rid of once established.
Gardeners' World adds: "To get them all out, you may need to dig up the bulbs for several years in a row.
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"If you are in the process of removing them and others continue to grow, cut off the flowerheads before the blooms open to prevent cross-pollination with English bluebells."
It is important to dispose of the bulbs in council garden waste collections.
They shouldn't be put on your compost heap or dumped outside in your garden, as they will simply regrow.