Muscari
Grape hyacinth
- Height × spread
- 0.1m – 0.25m × 0.05m – 0.2m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available as bulbs in Autumn, some plants in Spring
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 30 species of muscari. They are bulbous plants that grow naturally around the Mediterranean and in South West Asia. A good number of these are grown in gardens and there are a number of cultivars available. These are small plants that flower during spring. The flowers are clustered on upright stems and are generally bell-shaped. These are mainly in shades of blue but lavender, white and yellow forms are available. Some forms are fragrant. The plants stand between 10 and 20 cm in height. Some of these plants have untidy foliage so the tidy-minded may not find all these varieties satisfactory.
- Flower colour
- Beige, Blue, Brown, Purple, Silver, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Blue, Green, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Column
- Height
- 0.1m – 0.25m
- Spread
- 0.05m – 0.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Small scale garden, Scented garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Ground cover, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Some varieties are 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 in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
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.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Found in
More Muscari
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Muscari armeniacum
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Muscari armeniacum
Blue spike, Armenian grape hyacinth
Muscari armeniacum 'Blue Spike'
Blue spike, Armenian grape hyacinth
Muscari armeniacum 'Christmas Pearl'
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Muscari armeniacum 'Early Giant'
Blue spike, Armenian grape hyacinth
Muscari armeniacum 'Peppermint'
Grape hyacinth