How to grow muscari
Find out all you need to know about growing muscari, or grape hyacinths, in this detailed Grow guide.
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| Plant | yes | yes | yes | |||||||||
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| Divide | yes | yes | yes |
Grape hyacinths, Muscari, are small, spring-flowering bulbs with bright blue flowers that look like a cross between a bunch of grapes and miniature hyacinths.
They look good at the front of a border, naturalised in grass or in shady places such as at the edge of a woodland or under deciduous shrubs. They spread easily and you might find them invasive, but if you love the colour, try muscari in window boxes and containers.
They look good at the front of a border, naturalised in grass or in shady places such as at the edge of a woodland or under deciduous shrubs.
Where to plant muscari
For best results grow muscari in moist but well-drained soil in sun or shade.
How to plant muscari
Plant muscari bulbs in autumn, in small clusters. Dig a small trench 10cm deep and toss in a handful of the tiny bulbs.
How to propagate muscari
Propagate by division when plants are dormant in summer. Dig up a congested clump and split apart into smaller clusters and replant.
Muscari: problem solving
Muscari are not affected by any pest and diseases.
How to care for muscari
Muscari don’t need VIP treatment and will spread quite happily once established. Lift and divide established clumps during summer when plants are dormant. This will keep plants healthy and vigorous and also helps to manage their spread.
Great muscari varieties to grow
- Muscari azureum – a Turkish variety with typical flowers in a soft sky blue. It is slightly less invasive and The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
- Muscari pallens – has soft translucent pale blue and white flowers
- Muscari armeniacum – a vigorous species variety, growing to 20cm in height, with grass-like leaves and stems bearing spikes of white-tipped, deep violet-blue, egg-shaped flowers in spring
- Muscari armeniacum 'Blue Spike' – has larger, double-flowered heads and looks good naturalised in grass with other spring bulbs or in containers