Killing invasive bulbs?

[modeller]

I have a number of weeds and blue bells which are becoming invasive. They grow from bulbs and I can't dig out the bulbs because they are deep and entangled with the roots of shrubs and other plants.
Can I get rid of them by spraying their foliage with weed killer. Will it kill off the bulbs ?

[modeller]

would it kill everthing even if I restricted the spray to the offending plant ?

[Prudie]

I think that would be a major risk. You could try chopping/strimming them off when they first shoot through, that would probably weaken the plant and kill them off eventually (I think bulbs make their energy for the next year through the leaves which is why you shouldn't chop down daffs until the leaves have shrivelled back). Not sure why you would want to get rid of bluebells though, they're only out for about a month and pretty iconic of spring!

[modeller]

I think bluebells are wonderful in woods but in my garden they have crowded out everyting else. Another problem is I live in the SE which has a low rainfall, also I'm on a gravel subsoil which means the soil is permanently short of moisture.

[AlBags]

Bluebells are very hard to get rid of when established. They will grow from a bulb fragment, no problem.
Use SBK on growth regularly. Confine only to these small areas. It will kill anything in contact, tho.

[landscaper2]

Roundup or SBK is what you want. You can get a hood(like a funnel) that fits on the spray nozzle, which eliminates drift onto other plants. Once fitted you can place it over the plant and ZAP!