'White' Bluebells

[rscott74]

In the Spring there quite a few white bluebells in the area immediately to the rear of our house (Tyne & Wear). I wonder how common they are and if there is any reason for the change or lack of colour. I've planted bulbs in the garden and they produce white flowers and thrive well.

[smartie]

It's likely they are the Spanish bluebell (more erect flower stalks than the English and flowers all round the stem rather than just one one side). These can vary in colour from blue to pink to white. OK in gardens, but not to be encouraged in the wild, where they will take over from the English ones, as they are much more robust.

[rscott74]

Thanks for reply Smartie. The ones in the garden were lifted from the field so there a little fewer. The description matches what you said.
The 'whites seem to grow in an open area of tall grasses. We have a park area close to us with trees/bushes/shorter grasses which has lots of bluebells (no whites ever seen) and from recollection are shorter in height so hopefully are native variety. I'll observe more closely next Spring.

[PeterJL]

Sorry to be pedantic but according to the BSBI Plant Crib Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is not often seen in the wild. Stace also reckons it's over-recorded for the hybrid.

It's the hybrid H. x massartiana which we mostly see.

[AlanS]

Originally Posted by PeterJL

Sorry to be pedantic but according to the BSBI Plant Crib Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is not often seen in the wild. Stace also reckons it's over-recorded for the hybrid.

It's the hybrid H. x massartiana which we mostly see.

Agreed.

I have had an interest in the "bluebell problem" for some 30 years now, and in all that time I have seen Spanish Bluebell in the wild on about 3 occasions. Even in gardens, nearly all "Spanish Bluebell" is the hybrid.

Alan

[rscott74]

I've got some pics. I'll submit them when I get them in my Gallery and learn how to insert in post (I think I've just about got it - it's a 'right clart' as they say around here)

[Adam Cheeseman]

It is quite common to see white, and pink, bells in the native species. At least it is around my neck of the woods.

Cheers,

Adam

[k9]

Yes, i struggled a bit, what I was doing wrong was copying and pasting the entire line of the link in the white box - when i should have started copying after the http// bit. Good luck.

[rscott74]

This is a pic of item as promised. I assume it confirms advice. It does grow erratically alondside blue flowers

[PeterJL]

Both blue and white look like the hybrid Hyacinthoides x massartiana to me.