BONNY BLOOMING BLUEBELLS
Photograph: Abrightside Photography.
Iain Ferguson Many places in Lochaber are covered in a carpet of blue as the weather improves and flowers poke their heads above the ground. Perhaps one of the most notable and prolific is the Bluebell. It may be stating the obvious, but they are so named due to the unmistakable colour and shape of the flower which dangles from a fine stalk. But beware of invaders! Bluebells (Hyacinthoides nonscripta) are actually perennial herbs spending the majority of their time underground as bulbs before emerging, often in clumps, or even entire fields from late April or early May onwards. As you will undoubtedly know, the flowers are mostly deep violet-blue in colour - although they can also
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be white or pink - are bell-shaped with six petals and up-turned tips. They are sweet smelling and droop to one side of the flowering stem, with a creamy whitecoloured pollen inside and nod in the smallest of breezes. Up to 20 flowers can grow on one flowering stem. Leaves are narrow, around 7mms to 25mms wide and 45cms in length, smooth and hairless, with a pointed tip. Why so much detail? We also have the Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica), appearing in our countryside. They are similar in appearance but grow more upright with flowers all around the stem, not drooping to one side. Like so many nonnative plants, the Spanish variety is
more vigorous and can take over from the natives. Bluebell colonies take a considerable amount of time to establish themselves, as long as seven years from seed to flower and can also take years to recover after been trampled, so be careful not to stand on them. You may not be aware of it, but our native bluebells are also protected by law, it being illegal pick or dig them up in the natural environment. You do have the option of buying bulbs commercially to plant in your garden, but do take care to buy guaranteed native varieties to avoid diluting the gene pool, as hybrids have already been noted. On a less serious note, enjoy their welcoming beauty while the blooming season continues.
| mAy 2022
Lochaber Life May 2022.indd 16
25/04/2022 15:39:34
