Receiving Helpdesk

what do you do with bluebells after flowering

by Dr. Madge Blanda Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

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.

Full Answer

How do you take care of a Bluebell plant?

How to care for bluebells. Once planted, hyacinths can be more-or-less left to their own devices. They rarely need watering when growing in the ground, unless the soil dries out during prolonged dry periods in summer. Give them a light feed with a granular general plant food after flowering.

How do you get rid of bluebells and bulbs?

The bulbs go deep down into good soil and if you want to remove them they must be dug out totally. The white bulbs throw off little bulbils and they will grow back unless you clean up the soil to at least 12 “. If your garden veers towards the more formal you may wish to tidy up by removing the bluebells.

Do bluebells need to lose their leaves?

Bluebells not usually a problem in a border as other plants can hide the dying leaves. If they are in a more woodland setting, the leaves can be seen more, but just accept it as realistic wildness It's the same for all bulbs, they need the leaves tl provide the energy for next year's flowers.

Are bluebells good plants for gardens?

Carpets of bluebell flowers in woodlands are one of the most glorious sights of the British spring landscape - but bluebells are also wonderful plants for gardens. They’re easy to grow.

Should I deadhead 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.

When can I clear bluebells?

It is best to dig out bluebells while they are in leaf, as the bulbs are almost impossible to find when the plants are dormant: Loosen soil around the bulbs to a good depth and remove all the bulbs and underground parts.

Will bluebells grow back?

Bluebells can take years to recover after footfall damage. If a bluebell's leaves are crushed, they die back from lack of food as the leaves cannot photosynthesise.

Can you cut the leaves off 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 do you collect bluebell seeds?

0:484:09How to Propagate Bluebells - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInto an area of soil that you want your bluebells to come out with if i just rustle the podsMoreInto an area of soil that you want your bluebells to come out with if i just rustle the pods slightly you'll see those dropping out and they can just be worked gently into the soil.

How do you store bluebells?

Luckily, bluebells are remarkably tolerant of bad timing. If it is fall or winter, store the bulbs in a cold place, such as an unheated garage or the refrigerator, for three to four months.

Do bluebells flower twice?

Bluebells are perennials which means they flower annually. They spend the spring soaking up energy from the sunshine and store the energy in their bulb over winter, waiting to bloom again. Please stick to the paths to help our precious bluebells thrive.

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.

Do bluebells multiply?

If you want to help your bluebells spread, lift and divide bulbs after flowering. If your bluebells thrive, spreading will also happen naturally via bulb division and seed. Dense clumps of bluebells may eventually out-compete more delicate spring plants or spread to the 'wrong' place in your garden.

What do you do with bulbs after they bloom?

Bulbs use their foliage to produce the energy they need to form new flowers. So, if you want your bulbs to rebloom, it's important to leave the foliage in place until it has withered and turned yellow. When the foliage can be pulled away from the bulb with a gentle tug, it's ready to go.

When should I cut back my bulbs?

2 days agoWhen to Safely Cut Back Flowering Bulb Leaves. Eight weeks is a good rule of thumb. That means bulbs that emerged and bloomed in April need to be left standing until June. Unless you plan on saving the seeds, you can cut back the flower stalks once they've finished blooming.

Do bluebells self seed?

dividing. Over time, bluebells will gradually self-sow and naturalise – you can lift and divide them in late summer, or just leave them to get on with it.

How do I get rid of bluebells?

The bulbs go deep down into good soil and if you want to remove them they must be dug out totally. The white bulbs throw off little bulbils and they will grow back unless you clean up the soil to at least 12 “. If your garden veers towards the more formal you may wish to tidy up by removing the bluebells. After flowering the leaves of Bluebells ...

What is the name of the bluebell?

Naming The Bluebell. The botanic name is now Scilla campanulata and you can often buy bulbs under this name. Previously they were classified as Endymion who was a mythical Greek. Endymion campanulatus, Endymion hispanicus, Endymion patulus, and Scilla hispanica have also been used.

Is bluebell hyacinthoides italic or scented?

They are unscented. Italian Bluebells Hyacinthoides italic are quite similar but less invasive. English bluebells Hyacinthoides non-scripta have narrow leaves with scented flowers of straight-sided bells, petals that are rolled back (recurved) and Anthers which are creamy-white.

Do bluebells attract insects?

Bluebells grow best under the dappled shade of deciduous trees. It is illegal to take these plants from the wild, they must be acquired from a reputable source.

Is Spanish Bluebells invasive?

Spanish Bluebells Hyacinthoides his panica are more invasive and are pushing our own native species out. If the flower spike is stiff and upright, flowers broadly spreading and petals usually not rolled back with clear blue Anthers you have Spanish Bluebells Hyacinthoides hispanica. They are unscented. Italian Bluebells Hyacinthoides italic are quite similar but less invasive.

How should I care for bluebells?

How to care for bluebells. Once planted, hyacinths can be more-or-less left to their own devices. They rarely need watering when growing in the ground, unless the soil dries out during prolonged dry periods in summer. Give them a light feed with a granular general plant food after flowering.

What is a bluebell?

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) Carpets of bluebell flowers in woodlands are one of the most glorious sights of the British spring landscape - but bluebells are also wonderful plants for gardens. They’re easy to grow.

How deep should I plant bluebells?

Bluebells are best planted in shady areas – around trees or underneath shrubs – where the cool conditions intensify the flower colour. Plant the bulbs 7.5cm (3in) deep, 10-15cm (4-6in) apart in autumn in well-prepared soil with lots of added bulky organic matter dug in. This will help prevent the soil drying out in summer.

Is the Spanish bluebell more vigorous than the British bluebell?

The Spanish bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica, is even more vigorous than the British bluebell, and sadly hybrids between the two are causing the decline of the British bluebell both in the wild and in gardens. So, give them a helping hand and plant the British bluebell at home.

Do bluebells like sun?

Bluebells grow well in either sun or partial shade, but do better out of direct, strong sunlight. They prefer a humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil that doesn’t dry out in summer.

Can bluebells grow?

They’re easy to grow. In fact, bluebells grow so readily and spread so quickly they can become too widespread if left to self seed. Over the years, the poor bluebell has been given numerous different botanical names, including Endymion and Scilla, but is now regarded as Hyacinthoides. The Spanish bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica, ...

How to control bluebells in garden?

How to control bluebells if they’re that tenacious? The key is in the bulbs. If you dig up the bulbs when the plants are in leaf, they’re easier to find. Dig the soil around the plants, then feel in the soil until you find all the bulbs.

How do Spanish bluebells spread?

Spanish bluebells spread by roots connecting the bulbs underground. This allows them to fill in great swaths of land and take over an area. If they come in contact with native English bluebells, the Spanish version will cross pollinate and come up the next season as a hybrid plant, stronger than the original parent.

How to keep bulbs from drying out?

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.

Is bluebell weed control a casual enterprise?

With a plant this invasive, it’s important to dig out every bit to prevent it from spreading again next year. Bluebell weed control isn’t a casual enterprise ; it has to be dealt with completely or they’ll come back to mock you and your efforts.

Do Spanish bluebells cross pollinate?

Unfortunately, Spanish bluebells are so eager to spread, they’re often considered weeds. These small flowers tend to cross pollinate with native English bluebells, creating a hybrid flower that takes over the area.

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