Muscari aucheri
Oxford and Cambridge grape hyacinth
Also known as Muscari tubergenianum, Muscari lingulatum
- Height × spread
- 0.15m × 0.15m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
It may be diminutive but this has a quiet distinction when in flower. The flowers come from turquoise buds that open to bi-coloured flowers. These are sky blue on their topknot and navy blue beneath. This unique flower has earned the lengthy name 'Oxford and Cambridge Grape Hyacinth'. It flowers during April and May and the multiple flower spikes rise from a lax mound of broad strappy leaves. In fact the pale blue flowers are sterile.
- Flower colour
- Blue
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.15m
- Spread
- 0.15m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Rock garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Gravelly soil
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Alkaline
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer · Planting
Divide while dormant
Clumps of bulbs, corms or rhizomes can be divided in summer when the plant is dormant, or as the foliage dies away. The divided bulbs or corms can immediately be replanted at a little distance from each other, or moved to other locations.
Found in
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