The Enchantment Of Bluebells
You already know my love for wildflowers. And while all of them are unique, there’s one flower that holds a special place in my heart – the bluebell.
Once spring comes around, the UK’s woodlands are flooded with amazing bluebells. This is a time of year I look forward to very much as the bluebells’ colour and fragrance never fail to captivate me and inspire my paintings.
I used to live in the Forest of DEan a place well known for bluebells. Here is me from 2011 sitting just behind my old house and enjoying the the magical time of year when bluebells are in flower (photo credit Ian Gorton)
Forest of Dean 2011 Photo by Ian Gorton
A few Facts About Bluebells
For one, did you know that almost half of the world’s bluebells are found in the UK? This wildflower is a UK favourite flower
Additionally, bluebells are heavily protected. Since they take about five to seven years to turn from seeds into flowers, picking, uprooting, and destroying these wildflowers will incur a hefty fine.
Where to find Bluebells
They typically grow in shady areas and come into bloom from April to late May. Their flowers resemble a bell with the tips rolled up. The fragrant bells are a beautiful violet-blue hue and droop to one side of the stem.
It’s increasingly common to see native bluebells hybridised with Spanish bluebells. The Spanish bluebells look similar but are upright with flowers all around the stem not to one side. The hybrid looks similar to the native bluebell but may eventually overtake and out compete the native variety.
The Light of Spring (2024) 100×120cms
Myths & Folklore About Bluebells
Bluebells have always been linked to fairies. It is believed that fairies love this wildflower, so they used to create entire fields of them to trap people and that if you pick bluebells you will be led astray by fairies forever!
Bluebells also have a brighter side in their lore. In the language of flowers, bluebells represent humility and everlasting love. It is believed that if you turn the flower inside out without tearing it, you’ll end up with the one you love.
Bluebells (2011) 100×100cms Sold
These wildflowers are very special to me and have shown up in my paintings every year for the last 20 years at least.
If you love wildflowers too, you may like reading the rest of my blogs posts listed on the right. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated on my latest exhibitions which in late spring may well include a bluebell painting or two.
To learn more about this wildflower series, check my other blog posts and to see how I have painted them recently there are some on my available work page.
More from the blog …
Buttercups: The Art and Science
Knapweed, Nature’s Resilient Marvel