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Muscari 'Big Smile'

grape hyacinth 'Big Smile'

A deciduous, bulbous perennial, to 18cm tall, with green, strap-shaped foliage and, in spring, dense spikes of relatively large blue flowers rimmed with white

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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 groups, in moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soil in full sun. To retain vigour, lift congested clumps and divide when dormant in autumn

Propagation

Propagate from seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Divide clumps and plant divisions separately in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Remove old flower stems and dead foliage in summer

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

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