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No Quibble GuaranteeHow to grow Muscari
A spring carpet of cobalt blue is a magical sight, adding early colour to banks, slopes, borders and containers. The traditional blue is joined by new pink, and white golden siblings.
The name Muscari originates from the Greek word for musk and alludes to the sweet, delicate fragrance. Stems hold dense clusters of tiny blooms, looking like a bunch of grapes, hence the common name.
Full of pollen and nectar, attracting early pollinators, these petite pals last up to a week in a miniature arrangement, pull the stems rather than cutting, for maximum length.
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Muscari
A reliable perennial, Muscari should be planted in autumn, and do well in any moist, well-drained soil type and pH levels.
Naturalising freely, some cultivars, particularly the traditional Muscari Armeniacum will spread vigorously so ensure you have space before you begin planting.
How to plant Muscari
Dig plenty of grit into your chosen spot, if drainage is poor, and plant in group 6-8cm deep and 5-10cm apart, with roots downward and point upward. Cover with soil and firm before watering.
Perfect for pots, especially if you need to contain the spread. Place a few crocks in the bottom of a pot for drainage and use loam-based compost with added grit to ensure the bulbs do not rot. Pot feet are a good idea to raise the pot off the ground and deter slugs with a top dressing of grit.
What to plant with Muscari
Muscari combine well with Hyacinths, Narcissi, Anemones, Tulips, Ranunculus and Erythronium.
Try mixing the fresh spikes of Muscari aucheri White Magic in front of pastel blue forget-me-nots and the beautiful, fringed Tulip Honeymoon for a dreamy combination.
Our Marvellous Muscari Collection looks fabulous with dainty Narcissus Minnow and Jetfire, a classic pairing of spring yellow and blue.
How to care for Muscari
Feeding and watering is not usually necessary in normal conditions but keep an eye on pot grown Muscari to ensure the soil does not completely dry out.
After flowering, deadhead at the base of the stalk. The foliage should be allowed to turn yellow and dry naturally, allowing photosynthesis for as long as possible, to improve repeat flowering the following year.
If grown in a grassy area, remember not to mow the grass until the leaves have withered and died back. Clumps can be divided every few years after the foliage has faded by lifting and splitting into smaller sections for replanting.
How to propagate Muscari
Muscari naturalise easily, multiplying underground by producing numerous bulblets. These tiny bulbs take a year or two to bulk up and flower properly.
You can lift and divide established clumps every few years in summer, once the foliage has faded to increase your stock and promote healthy blooming or share plants with friends and family.
Dig carefully around the outside of your Muscari clumps with a garden fork, taking care not to damage the bulbs. Lift the clump from the ground and gently separate it into smaller sections, each containing several bulbs and bulblets.
Plant the sections into a new area of your garden as before or pot them up into containers of gritty compost to grow on or share.