Bluebells

Bluebell Woods

In the UK bluebells flower for about three weeks towards the end of April or in early May depending on the weather.

Photographing bluebells in shade or overcast conditions retains their blue colour, but if pictured in sunlight they have a tendency to appear pale pink or pale purple. This phenomenon is evident in picture 5 where both sunlit and shaded flowers are present.

Not all bluebells are the same, there are three types in the UK; our native breed, the Spanish bluebell and the fertile hybrid, a cross between the native and the Spanish.

Preservationists are keen that we should not loose the native bluebell through hybridisation. A survey in 2002 revealed that already one in six woodlands had a mixture of bluebells present.

Related links:
Coton Manor
Everdon Stubs
Bluebells of Britain
Identify your bluebell