Muscari neglectum
common grape hyacinth
A bulbous perennial to 30cm in height, with narrow, arching, green leaves that first appear in autumn, and erect stems bearing dense spikes of egg-shaped flowers up to 7mm in length in spring. The upper flowers are pale to mid-blue and the lower ones deep violet to blackish-blue
Other common names
grape flowerstarch hyacinth
Synonyms
Muscari bucharicumMuscari pulchellum
see moreMuscari racemosum (L.) Medik.
Muscari leucostomum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Black Blue | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | ||||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
- Europe to C Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 10cm deep in autumn in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Lift and divide congested clumps when dormant in summer 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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildflower meadow
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Garden edging
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required; faded foliage may be removed if 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
Get involved
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