Sir – Since the English bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is under threat from hybridisation with the ubiquitous Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica), many advocate digging up and burning the latter at every opportunity.
While the form and fragrance of the English bluebell is unique, I personally also like Spanish bluebells.
In my garden, I’ve constructed an English bluebell conservation bed, in which I’ve planted pure English bluebell seeds.
When these plants mature in a few years, I plan to cut off the flower stalks after flowering and so prevent seeding of hybrids.
Weeding out of new bluebell seedlings should also prevent seeding from outside the bed. I’m hoping that in this way it may be possible to enjoy and preserve pure English bluebells alongside their Spanish cousins.
Dr Daniel Emlyn-Jones, Oxford
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