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Muscari armeniacum 'Christmas Pearl'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

grape hyacinth 'Christmas Pearl'

'Christmas Pearl' is a bulbous perennial producing tightly packed spikes of bright blue, fragrant flowers in winter. The leaves start to grow in autumn and may reach 30cm by spring, though they tend to flop over

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer
Autumn Green
Winter Blue Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant 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

Propagation

Propagate by separating offsets in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required, but can remove spent foliage in late spring

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

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