Muscari comosum
tassel hyacinth
A clump-forming, bulbous perennial, with narrow, linear green leaves to 20cm long. In spring, produces upright flower spikes, with urn-shaped, purple-brown flowers held on short stalks along the main stem, and topped with upright, threadlike tassels bearing bright purple sterile flowers
Other common names
fair-haired hyacinthostrich-feather hyacinth
see morepurple tassels
purse tassels
tassel grape hyacinth
Synonyms
Leopoldia comosa
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental 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
- Genus
Muscari are bulbous perennials with linear or strap-shaped leaves and small bell-shaped, tubular or urn-shaped flowers borne in a dense raceme on an erect leafless stem
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S & C Europe, SW Asia, N Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 10cm deep in autumn in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Lift and divide congested clumps (when dormant in summer) to maintain vigour
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or by division, separating offsets when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Garden edging
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal infections including anther smuts and bluebell rust (see rust diseases), and bacterial soft rot and some virus diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.