Why are bluebells flowering white?

I've seen quite a few of those. There much rarer than bluebells. I remember I was taught in science about why there is less of one colour than another in flowers but I can't remember what it was. Something like the blue gene is stronger than the white one. If you go to a bluebell woods you might see the odd white one amongst all the blue ones.

Why are bluebells flowering white?
There is a variety of white bluebell (I know it sounds like a contradiction in terms...!) There are also pink ones.



I have a few white bluebells and one pink one in my garden - I really like them because they are so much more rare. They have the same design, with the pretty bells.



Wild woodland Bluebells are protected in the UK (although why I don't know, although they are beautiful, they spead rapidly!!) Often a stray flower in pink or white will appear, because the original stock has these colours in its genes. Years ago I bought a pack of pink and white bluebells from a garden centre, but hardly any grew, so I think they are more difficult to cultivate.



Hope this is helpful!!
Reply:i know it is not a answer to your question but we have pink bluebells and this year there are some white ones mixed with them for the first time, maybe it is something to do with cross pollination?
Reply:We had a lot of bluebells - untill this year, now we have some pink ones. Don't know why.
Reply:Seen plenty in the woods near me. I think they're just another variety but smell just the same.



J.
Reply:Oh I got loads of those as well, people think I'm lying, sorry don't know the answer, but will be interested.
Reply:I have only seen bluebells. Maybe your getting them mixed up with snowdrops?
Reply:i've got white bits on my bell too ... do yours smell cheesey?