About
Muscari aucheri, the Aucher-Eloy grape hyacinth, is a bulbous perennial to 15 cm forming a clump with narrow, grey-green leaves and erect stems bearing dense, terminal spikes of small, globose, bright-blue, white-rimmed flowers in spring. A charming and rewarding grape hyacinth for a sunny, well-drained border or rock garden.
About the genus
Muscari, the grape hyacinths, are bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped leaves and small, bell-shaped, tubular or urn-shaped flowers borne in dense racemes on erect, leafless stems in spring. Easy and rewarding bulbs for borders, rock gardens and containers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toS & C Europe, SW Asia, N Africa
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 11260,muscari-discolor,Muscari discolor,,Muscari azureum
Care notes
CultivationPlant 10cm deep in autumn in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Lift and divide congested clumps (when dormant in summer) to maintain vigour
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or by division, separating offsets when dormant
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