Monty Don warns gardeners 'obey wildflower rule or you will have broken the law’

Monty Don has warned Britain's gardeners to obey a little-known rule regarding wildflowers. Every April, stunning displays of wild bluebells can be seen in woodland all over the nation.

Taking advantage of the brief period in Spring before trees are in full leaf, bluebells can create spectacular ground cover in dappled shady ares.

Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don warns there are some strict rules when it comes to bluebells – and breaking one can even put you on the wrong side of the law.

On the Gardeners’ World Winter Special, he explains: “Never plant them in a border – even the English ones can become invasive, an certainly the Spanish bluebells are an absolute no-no.”

READ MORE: 'Garden Fairy' Anya Lautenbach lists November's essential garden tasks to cut costs

READ MORE: Alan Titchmarsh says 'it's not a good idea' as he issues plants warning to gardeners

But beneath a cluster of trees, especially in well-drained areas that get plenty of rain, they will thrive. Bluebells are easy to plant, Monty says. Just scatter a few of the small, potato-like bulbs randomly in your chosen area.

They should be planted where they land, in holes about four inches deep. When planting among tree roots, it pays to gently investigate with a hand fork before plunging your trowel in.

All that is needed is a handful or two of leaf mould mixed with the excavated soil. The hole should be three times as deep as the bulb and even in heavy soils there is no need to incorporate grit.

READ MORE: Alan Titchmarsh reveals two plants he'd happily 'banish' from all gardens forever

But, Monty warns, you need to be careful where you’re getting your bulbs from: “It has to be stressed,” Monty says, “it is illegal to dig up wild bluebells from anywhere. If you go to a wood and see acres and acres of them, take one and you’ve broken the law.”

He says bulbs are best bought – from a reputable source – in May, just after they’ve finished flowering and then planted ready to create a ravishing blue carpet beneath the trees the following spring.

Bluebells are not a plant for the impatient gardener though, Monty stresses: “Don’t expect, if you plant a bulb, that it’s going to look fantastic in the first year – or even in the second or third year. But they will come through, and they’ll get stronger, and they’ll get thicker.”

The spectacular bluebell woods that you may discover on a country walk can take hundreds of years to fully establish themselves, Monty explains, “so be patient.”