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Muscari botryoides

compact grape hyacinth

A clump-forming, bulbous perennial to 20cm high, with narrow, linear green leaves with incurved margins. In spring, produces densely packed spikes of globe-shaped, bright blue flowers with white mouths. Spikes become looser as the flowers mature.

Other common names
sky-blue grape hyacinth
baby's breath
see morebluebottle
starch flower
Greek grape hyacinth
Synonyms
Botryanthus vulgaris
Muscari heldreichii
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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
France to Ukraine

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

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
  • Banks and slopes
  • 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

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