Can you sell bluebells?

The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This means digging up the plant or bulb in the countryside is prohibited and landowners are prohibited from removing bluebells from their land to sell.

What is the law on bluebells?

It's against the law to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy bluebells. Bluebells have soft, succulent leaves that are particularly sensitive to being trodden on. Once the leaves are damaged, they are unable to absorb the sun and photosynthesise, so they die back.

Is it illegal to sell wild flowers?

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 a person will commit an offence if he sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in his possession or transports for the purposes of sale a live plant which must not be released etc.

Is it illegal to collect bluebell seeds?

In the UK, native bluebells are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) which prohibits anyone from picking or destroying the flowers, digging up the bulbs, or collecting bluebells from the wild for sale.

Can you buy bluebells UK?

You can buy bluebell plants from garden centres. Always try to buy native English bluebells rather than Spanish or hybrid ones which can take over in a garden and escape into the countryside.

How to Propagate Bluebells

Can I buy bluebells in the green?

Buying bulbs in the green means you receive growing plants that are freshly lifted. A few species of bulb, including bluebells and snowdrops, establish best when they are transplanted quickly either while still in growth or when their foliage has freshly died back.

How long do bluebells last in UK?

Bluebells usually flower from late March to early May, but it does vary from year to year. They are one of the last spring flowers to bloom before the woodland canopy closes up and new leaves block out the sunlight.

What is the penalty for picking bluebells?

But, with many of us heading outside for walks during lockdown, households are reminded not to pick any of the beautiful blooms from forbidden areas. Online garden centre, Gardening Express, is reminding Brits that picking flowers, such as bluebells or daffodils, could result in imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000.

When did it become illegal to pick bluebells?

Since 1998 it has been illegal for anyone to collect native bluebells from the wild for sale. This legislation was designed specifically to protect bluebell from unscrupulous bulb collectors who supply garden centres.

Is collecting wild flower seeds illegal UK?

Collecting wildflower seed

Uprooting a plant is harmful and illegal without the consent of the landowner or occupier. Gathering seed carefully and in moderation does little damage and is simple to do.

Do you need a Licence to sell flowers UK?

Legalities Of Running A Floristry Business

There are several pieces of legislation to be aware of, covering areas like licensing, retailing and insurance. Whilst you don't require a licence to sell flowers, there may be other aspects of your floristry business that do.

Is it legal to sell plants from home UK?

If you sell plants over the internet/mail order, or sell to another retailer, you need to issue plant passports with the lowest trade unit. If you send plants through the mail but without any money changing hands (except to cover postage and packing) you do not require a plant passport.

What flowers are you not allowed to pick?

Wild flowers According to Dominic Price of wild plant protection charity Plantlife, "it is not normally an offence to pick the 'Four Fs' – fruit, foliage, fungi or flowers – if the plants are growing wild and it is for your personal use and not for sale." Dozens of rare or endangered plants – from the lady's slipper ...

Why is it illegal to pick bluebells in the UK?

Threats and conservation

Bluebells can take years to recover from the damage caused by trampling, and if their leaves are crushed they can be weakened (as they can no longer photosynthesise). The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).

Can I get rid of bluebells in my garden?

Cultural control

It is best to dig out bluebells while they are in leaf, as the bulbs are almost impossible to find when the plants are dormant: Loosen soil around the bulbs to a good depth and remove all the bulbs and underground parts.

Can you plant English bluebells?

Grow bluebells in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. They're particularly suited to growing beneath deciduous trees, which provide dappled shade in spring and deeper shade in summer. You'll get the best results from planting bluebells in the green but it's also possible to grow bluebells from seed.

Can you cut bluebells for a vase?

The shorter the stems the less water you need - so bluebells need less than tulips. Sear the ends of the flower stems for a couple of seconds and then put straight into a vase or pot of luke warm water.

Can I pick Spanish bluebells?

Native bluebells are protected by law. Spanish bluebells are not protected so you can dig them up!

Are Spanish bluebells illegal in UK?

In the UK: It is not an offence to have Spanish bluebells on your land (they were introduced to the UK by the Victorians).

Can I pull up dead bluebells?

The bulbs go deep down into good soil and if you want to remove them they must be dug out totally. The white bulbs throw off little bulbils and they will grow back unless you clean up the soil to at least 12 “. If your garden veers towards the more formal you may wish to tidy up by removing the bluebells.

What is the difference between Spanish bluebells and English bluebells?

Native bluebells are a distinctive deep-blue in colour, whereas Spanish and hybrid-Spanish bluebells are often lighter, more pale blue or pink. Look also at the shape of the flowers, the native bluebell flowers curl back at the petal tips whilst those of the Spanish and hybrid-Spanish bluebells are splayed.

How quickly do bluebells multiply?

Bluebells spread very quickly as they seed when grow in clumps. You can encourage the spreading of bluebells by dividing up the bulbs after flowering and replanting. Insects such as ants can help the flower to spread.

Why do bluebells turn pink?

The color change is due to changes in the pH of the cell sap, and, like some hydrangeas, plants growing in more acidic soils will have flowers of a deeper shade of blue.

What happens to bluebells after flowering?

After flowering has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. If they are naturalised in grass, avoid mowing until the leaves have fully died back. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the bulbs for the future.

Can I plant snowdrops and bluebells together?

Planting aconites in the green, snows in the green and bluebell in the green will ensure a better flower production.