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The most pronounced difference is that the flowers of English bluebells are usually only on one side of the stem, whilst the flowers of Spanish bluebells are all around the stem. Some more differences are listed here:
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=426
I sorted out my sweet peas and planted all my "far too old to germinate" packs to see what would happen. About 40 seeds germinated - I look forward to seeing what I've got in a couple of months' time
Plant 6mm deep in a good seed compost, and place in a temperature of 20-30C. Germination takes 10 days+
You can plant them as late as June and still have good plants as they grow very fast. Don't plant them out before night time temperatures are consistently 11C or more or they'll die. Seeds are poisonous.
You'll find them potted up in garden centres about now if you only need a reasonably small number.
Wait until it's finished flowering and then re-pot it. You should be able to keep it in a pot for at least a couple more years, but eventually it will have to go in the ground.
Obelixx, this supplier has English bluebell seeds:
http://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/pages/wild_image1.htm
I think that you were unlucky, although the white ones can be slightly later. Having said that, I usually have blue and white open simultaneously.
It's always best to move plants when they are dormant, so late autumn would be best. Summer is the worst time as keeping leaves with damaged roots strains the plant.
I've not tried it personally, but that is the current view.
Mine thrive at a ph of 6.5, so only slightly acid, and don't need special care.
You can spray when you expect the eggs to be laid, or on first sighting of curling. That way, you will hopefully get the sawfly as they hatch and limit damage.
