About
Muscari macrocarpum, the large-fruited grape hyacinth, is a free-flowering, bulbous perennial with grey-green, strap-like leaves. Dark-purple buds emerge in spring, turning shades of yellow as they open into fragrant flowers. An unusual and rewarding grape hyacinth for a sunny, well-drained border or container.
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, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
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, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toIran
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 11272,muscari-sandrasicum,Muscari sandrasicum,,Muscari massayanum is a bulbous perennial producing the characteristic narrow leaves and dense spikes of tiny
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. May be invasive
PruningNo pruning required
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