About
A deciduous bulb to 25cm tall, with leaves appearing in autumn, and dense racemes of pale blue flowers in spring.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityOrnamental 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
Care notes
CultivationPlant 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
PruningRemove old flower stems and dead foliage in summer
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Divide clumps and plant divisions separately in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal infections including anther smuts and bluebell rust (see rust diseases), and bacterial soft rot and some virus diseases