English Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) on May 15, 2008

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

These are individual stalks topped by short columns of clustered lavender or white florets, each stalk surrounded by a circle of blade-shaped leaves. Each plant grows from a large white bulb that multiplies copiously 4-8" beneath the soil. They are very pretty so I have not tried to eliminate them in past years. However this year they have completely invaded all my flower beds. Don't know how to get rid of them except by digging each plant up separately.

Commentary

What are they called? How does one contain them?

Reporter
May 15, 2008, 8:13 a.m.

Dear Ms Margaret Moore,

I believe the plant is called English Bluebell, or Hyacinthoides non-scripta. Yes, they are very weedy in gardens. However, I am not aware of bluebells spreading into natural areas. You can reduce their rate of spread by cutting off the stalks once they are done flowering. Digging and removing the bulbs is probably the best approach for control. Good luck!

Tania Siemens/OSU Sea Grant Extension/The Nature Conservancy

Tania Siemens
May 19, 2008, 11:21 p.m.