Monty Don has issued a warning to Britain’s gardeners about a lesser-known rule concerning wildflowers. Every April, the nation’s woodlands are adorned with beautiful displays of wild bluebells.
Bluebells take advantage of the brief period in Spring before trees are fully leafed, creating stunning ground cover in dappled shady areas.
Gardeners’ World host Monty Don cautions that there are strict rules when it comes to bluebells and breaking one could even land you on the wrong side of the law.
During the Gardeners’ World Winter Special, he advises: “Never plant them in a border even the English ones can become invasive, and certainly the Spanish bluebells are an absolute no-no.”
However, beneath a cluster of trees, particularly in well-drained areas that receive plenty of rain, they will flourish. Bluebells are easy to plant, according to Monty, reports Devon Live.
Simply scatter a few of the small, potato-like bulbs randomly in your chosen area.
They should be planted where they fall, in holes about four inches deep. When planting among tree roots, it’s wise to gently probe with a hand fork before plunging your trowel in.
All that’s required is a handful or two of leaf mould mixed with the excavated soil. The hole should be three times as deep as the bulb and even in heavy soils, there’s no need to incorporate grit.
Monty Don has issued a stark warning to garden enthusiasts about the legality of acquiring bluebells: “It has to be stressed,” Monty says, “it is illegal to dig up wild bluebells from anywhere. If you go to a wood and see acres and acres of them, take one and you’ve broken the law.”
He advises that the best time to buy bluebell bulbs from a trusted supplier is in May, right after their blooming period, so they can be planted in anticipation of a stunning display beneath the trees the next spring.
However, Monty emphasises that cultivating bluebells requires patience: “Don’t expect, if you plant a bulb, that it’s going to look fantastic in the first year or even in the second or third year. But they will come through, and they’ll get stronger, and they’ll get thicker.”
He also explains that the breathtaking bluebell woods seen during country strolls can take centuries to develop, advising gardeners to “so be patient.”