Muscari / RHS Plant Guide

Muscari

RHS Genus Guide

Muscari are excellent at carpeting the ground with blooms, looking jewel-like when planted with other early-flowering bulbs such as crocus and daffodils. Further combine with perennials such as hellebores and euphorbias or plant in containers with pansies and primulas for a glorious spring display. Over time these bulbs will self-seed and naturalise in borders, and even lawns and meadows, making them ideal for a natural-looking garden.

Common name: Grape hyacinth

RHS / Wendy Wesley

Appearance

Short upright flower stems topped with narrow cones of blue, bluish-purple, white and occasionally pink flowers. These rise above narrow, floppy bright green leaves or strappy upright grey-green leaves. The foliage dies back below ground after flowering.

Preferences

Grape hyacinths can grow in almost any soil, but prefer it to be free draining. They thrive in full sun, but can be grown under deciduous trees and shrubs as they are dormant in summer when there is shade.

Dislikes

They dislike dry soil when in growth in spring and the bulbs can rot in wet conditions. They will not flower in deep shade that is cast when they are in growth, such as under evergreen plants.

Did you know?

Muscari macrocarpum 'Golden Fragrance' breaks the muscari mould. Not only has it bright-yellow flowers, rather than blue, it has the added bonus of a delicious fragrance, making it a unusual addition to a scented garden.

RHS Growing Guide