Muscari macrocarpum

RHS Plant Profile
large-fruited grape hyacinth

Synonyms

Muscari muscarimi var. flavum
Muscarimia macrocarpum

Bulbs

A free-flowering, bulbous perennial with grey-green strap-like leaves. Dark purple buds emerge from the foliage in spring, turning to shades of yellow as they open into fragranced flowers. An alternative to the usual blue variety of muscari, and not quite as vigorous.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
Greece Turkey

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant 10cm deep in groups, in moderately fertile, moist, but well drained soil in full sun. To retain vigour, lift congested clumps and divide when dormant in autumn

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Divide clumps and plant divisions separately in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove old flower stems and dead foliage in summer

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