Muscari

The grape hyacinth, as Muscari are commonly known. Really do resemble little bunches of grapes, but they are not in fact related to the traditional hyacinth.

True Blue

The intense blue of these little bulbs, is incredible. In gardening terms, any flower that’s a shade of purple, is classed as blue. These bulbs are true blue.

The majority of our blue muscari, our planted in the woodland border. They seem to tolerate partial shade very well.

You don’t find many properly blue flowers. Here I have two together, with the Brunnera in the background.

At this time of year, the deep blue is ideal for setting off yellows of primulas and daffodils.

As they have such a long flowering period. They are still hanging on, as the Geum’s start to come out. They contrast perfectly with the orange.

Muscari spread freely

They do tend to have of a bad reputation, for spreading very freely. But as long as you have them in the right place, this should be a good thing!

Otherwise just dig them up regularly and split them. You can always find a home for free plants.

Luckily they’re easy to dig up. They’re not like some deep rooted perennial weed, that’s almost impossible to get out.

I absolutely love them, probably because blue is my favourite colour! But despite loving them, I planted some of them in the wrong place.

When I first planted the lavender border, there was lots of space. I thought they’d look lovely under and around it.

They did for a couple of years, but the lavender has grown more than expected – it was supposed to be a dwarf variety!

Last year I starting digging them out. I only made it two thirds of the way along, so there are still some coming up again this year.

They’re going to be difficult to get at, especially with a bad back! A job for next year, I think.

Muscari Walk

Last spring, I knew exactly where I wanted to put the spare bulbs. There’s a pathway, just before you get to the white garden. It has the holly hedge on one side, and not a lot would grow under it.

I’ve very grandly named it Muscari walk.

I thought a line of blue would look good, leading down to the all white flowers.

It will take a few years for them to bulk up and look really good. But that’s gardening for you, patience are definitely needed!

White Muscari

When people think of Muscari, they do tend to think of the common blue. Despite this, they come in a few shades. Pale blues and pale pinks, right the way through to pure white.

Once you’ve meandered past the line of blues, you make it to the white garden. Where of course we have the white variety ‘Venus’.

Stay safe & happy gardening.