Muscari
Grape hyacinth
Genus of 30 species of bulbous perennials occurring from sea level to subalpine areas, in woodland and on steppes, stony slopes, and screes in the Mediterranean region and south west Asia. The fleshy leaves, arranged in basal clusters, are linear to inversely lance-shaped, or sickle- or spoon-shaped, mostly channelled, and mid-green, or blue- or grey-green. Flowers are borne in terminal racemes on leafless stems in spring or, occasionally, autumn; the lower fertile flowers are sometimes crowned by smaller, paler sterile ones. They may be tubular, bell-shaped, or spherical, often with constricted mouths, and are 4-8mm (1/8 - 3/8in) long. Grow in massed displayes in a mixed border; they are also suitable for a deciduous woodland garden, a wild garden, or for naturalizing in grassland.

Cultivation
Plant 10cm (4in) deep in groups in autumn, in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Lift and divide congested clumps to maintain vigour when dormant in summer.

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