Muscari latifolium
grape hyacinth
Muscari latifolium is such a great little plant that in summer 2005 it was voted as the International Flower Bulb Centre's official bulb of the year. The bottom two thirds of the flowers are coloured a very dark blue and appear near black in certain lights. Each spike is topped by a tuft of striking bright blue flowers giving it a two-tone effect. Its leaves are broader and flatter than most other grape hyacinths and they tend to wrap themselves around the stem of each flower rather than just jut up.
It is a small plant that packs a big punch when planted in big, naturalistic drifts. Mix it with other spring flowers in an orchard or meadow - try planting it with the hoop petticoat daffodil for great colour contrast. Alternatively cram loads into a pot and place it on a sunny patio.
It is a small plant that packs a big punch when planted in big, naturalistic drifts. Mix it with other spring flowers in an orchard or meadow - try planting it with the hoop petticoat daffodil for great colour contrast. Alternatively cram loads into a pot and place it on a sunny patio.
How to care for Muscari latifolium:
These hardy spring bulbs prefer well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. The best time to plant grape hyacinth bulbs is in autumn, place them 10cm (4in) deep and 5-7cm (2-3in) apart. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this replenishes the bulb's energy for next year's display. An annual feed with a good general-purpose fertiliser (like Vitax Q4) in autumn will help keep the bulbs healthy. During summer when the bulbs are dormant, lift, divide and replant mature groups that are becoming congested.
In containers, plant Muscari more densely for an abundant show, using a well-draining potting mix. Ensure good drainage and consider moving pots to a sheltered spot during summer dormancy to prevent waterlogging from heavy rains or irrigation equipment.
In containers, plant Muscari more densely for an abundant show, using a well-draining potting mix. Ensure good drainage and consider moving pots to a sheltered spot during summer dormancy to prevent waterlogging from heavy rains or irrigation equipment.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.15m
Eventual spread:
0.1m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
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Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
9cm pot | 5 per pot
£7.99
available to order from winter
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2 + 1 FREE 9cm pots
£15.98
£5.33 each
available to order from winter
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25 × bulbs
£4.99
£0.20 each
available to order from summer
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50 + 25 FREE bulbs
£9.98
£0.13 each
available to order from summer
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