About
Muscari azureum _ botryoides is a hybrid grape hyacinth producing dense spikes of blue, urn-shaped flowers in spring in the characteristic manner of the genus. A rewarding and ornamental spring bulb 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-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 usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toW & S Turkey
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 autumn in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Lift and divide (when dormant in summer) congested clumps to maintain vigour
PruningNo pruning required, but remove spent foliage and cutting back in autumn may be needed
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in autumn, in containers in a cold frame or separate offsets 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