Grape Hyacinth 'Night Eyes' (Muscari)

Where to Plant:

This charming Grape Hyacinth is notable for its lovely mid-blue flowers, with each tiny, bell-shaped floret being delicately rimmed with a fleck of white, creating a lovely 'night sky' effect. It is very easy to grow and will be happy in a position in full sun or partial shade. It is not fussy about soil, as long as it is not prone to waterlogging. It is a superb choice for spring containers, rockeries, the front of borders, and for naturalising in grass under trees.

How to Plant:

You should plant the small bulbs in the autumn, from September to November, for flowers the following spring. Plant them at a depth of about 10cm (4 inches), with the pointed tip facing upwards. To appreciate the subtle white details, plant them in generous, dense clumps where they can be viewed up close, spacing the bulbs about 5-8cm apart.

Aftercare:

This is a very low-maintenance bulb. It is normal for it to produce its grassy leaves in the autumn, which will then persist through the winter. After the flowers have finished in the spring, it is very important to allow this foliage to die back and turn yellow on its own, as this process feeds the bulb for next year. It will multiply easily; if you wish to limit its spread, you should snip off the spent flower heads.