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Muscari 'Carola'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A vigorous, compact, clump-forming, perennial bulb, with fresh grey-green boat-shaped leaves. Densley packed spikes of small, fragrant conical-shaped bicolour paler and darker blue flowers appear in the spring. Perfect for container planting

Synonyms
Muscari armeniacum 'Carola'
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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
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Grey Silver Green
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, 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

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. See https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards for further information about RHS plant trials and awards

Propagation

Separate offsets in summer or propagate by seed, sown in autumn, in containers in a cold frame; cultivars may not come true from seed

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

No pruning required, but remove spent foliage and cutting back in autumn may be needed

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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