Spanish Bluebells.

I abhor Spanish Bluebells. I have literally 1000s in all colours! Last year I spent a considerable amount of time and a few bob laying industrial strength teram/membrane and bark chip over various beds thinking that there was no way the damn things would get through that lot...WRONG. The Bluebells have not minded a bit and even lifted the membrane and chip in places. I honestly wouldn't have thought it possible unless seen with my own eyes. Undaunted I thought the 1st really nice sunny day without wind I'd Roundup the offending articles and that would be that...WRONG again. Something made me think there might be a snag to my plan and I looked on the net to see if my suspicion was correct. To my horror I have read that Spanish Bluebells are resistant to weed killers, can you believe it? I am completely stumped now and if anybody can advise any ideas which might work I'd be very grateful. The size of the task is daunting. I really cannot lift all the membrane and barkchip (we are talking pick up load of bark chip not a few bags which I'd have to move) and try and dig the bulbs out. From previous investigations prior to laying membrane and bark many of the bulbs are over a foot deep. If I had a spare week I could I suppose go round cutting down all the top growth but not sure that's really effective? I have a nasty feeling I have been beaten and will have to live with them. I cannot attack them with anything too drastic as in the worst offending bed I also have some gorgeous species Rhododendrons which are of a serious size and doubt they'd take kindly to also be doused with the likes of neat bleach which is about the only thing that I can imagine might do the trick. All/ any suggestions most welcome.

 

Why is it that these wretched things are indestructible yet a prized plant legs up for no apparent reason? That law beginning with S comes to mind.

 

I sympathise! I haven't got Spanish bluebells but British ones and the same applies Silu, I hate them! Luckily there aren't many in my garden and I dig up what I can, weedkiller is useless. What is more irritating to me is they've self seeded from elsewhere, there were none in my garden when I moved here!