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        Snowdrops and Bluebells in the Green, from the Clare Bulb Company

Many people prefer to plant snowdrops and bluebells in full leaf, i.e." in the green". What this means is that the bulbs are lifted in February and March, whilst in full vigour of growth, and are then carefully wrapped by us to preserve moisture and quickly dispatched to customers, who should plant them as soon as possible after their receipt.
It is a generally held view that this method of planting is more likely to achieve the desired result than planting dry bulbs, as one would buy in the autumn. Click here for a picture of snowdrops and bluebells being prepared for delivery in our packing shed, with further information about our business.

The English Bluebell:  The bluebells we sell are Hyacinthoides non-Scripta, which are the native variety. These are characterised as having flowers on just one side of the flowering stem. They are choosy growers, and much prefer soil rich in rotted leaf-mould, from which they obtain the necessary trace elements and nutrients for growth. These conditions are typically found in old-established deciduous woodland.
The Spanish bluebell, which is known by various names, including Scilla Campanulata and Hyacinthoides Hispanica, are nice enough flowers in their own rights, and grow readily in a wide range of soil types and conditions. They come in various colours, including pink and white. The problem is that they are often sold as "English Bluebells", and if planted will in due course supplant the native bluebell, as they hybridise with them, becoming the dominant strain. Click here for a picture of "Spanish" bluebells.

Establishment: It should be noted that English bluebells can take several years to establish themselves after transplanting. It is not unusual to have only leaves in the year following transplanting, even if the plants are in flower when received from us. This is because the bulbs are re-establishing their root systems, and do not divert strength to producing flowers. Snowdrops are not so affected, but nonetheless can take a year or so to produce a good show.

Where to Plant: In planting bluebells it is wise to remember that they are woodland bulbs, and appreciate growing in shady areas, preferably with leaf-mould in the soil. They prefer damp soil conditions. Snowdrops are more tolerant of full sun, mainly because there is not much strength in the sun in January and February, which is their flowering period. Bluebells should be planted as deeply as possible, 6 ins being the minimum, and more if possible. In nature they are often found over a foot beneath the surface of the soil. Snowdrops should be planted between 4 and 6 inches deep. When bulbs are received from us one can see at what depth at which they have been growing, as that part of the stem that has been in the soil is very pale, in fact nearly white. 

"In the Green" price-list: We are able to offer bulbs at the prices shown on the order form, which may be accessed by clicking here.

Main price-list: Click here to connect to our main bulb website, which offers a wide range of spring and early summer flowering bulbs.

Home page: Click here for the Clare Bulb Co home page

    Clare Bulb Co, Riverside House, Clare, Suffolk, CO10 8NS
                                       Tel: 01787 277441 email: sales@clare-bulbs.co.uk