Muscari azureum

RHS Plant Profile
azure grape hyacinth

Synonyms

Hyacinthus azureus
Pseudomuscari azureum
Bellevalia azurea
Hyacinthella azurea

Bulbs

A compact, bulbous perennial to 10cm in height, with narrow, channelled leaves. Small, bell-shaped pale blue flowers, each segment having a darker central stripe, are borne in dense racemes

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Muscari are bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped leaves and small bell-shaped, tubular or urn-shaped flowers borne in a dense raceme on an erect leafless stem
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Turkey

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant 10cm deep in autumn in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Lift and divide (when dormant in summer) congested clumps to maintain vigour. May be invasive

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in autumn, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal infections including anther smuts and bluebell rust (see rust diseases), and bacterial soft rot and some virus diseases