Muscari botryoides Superstar - Grape Hyacinth

The 'Superstar' Muscari botryoides is a charming small early-flowering bulbous plant that produces clusters of small flowers in a vibrant blue delicately edged with white. When planted in large numbers, it works wonders in a rockery, along a path, in a short grass meadow that is not mowed too early, or in a small flowerbed. Hardy and naturalizing over time, it blooms again each year between March and April. It makes a fabulous backdrop for a wide range of spring bulbs and perennials. You can also use it in containers to enjoy it up close. 

The 'Superstar' Muscari botryoides is a horticultural selection of a botanical species called Muscari armeniacum, Muscari botryoides or Grape Hyacinth. This small bulbous plant belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is found from Western and Southern Europe to Eastern Europe, passing through France. The Grape Hyacinth naturally grows in short grass meadows or dry meadows, on limestone soils, in cereal fields, vineyards, fallow land, and sparsely wooded areas. It has a small more or less conical bulb that produces many small daughter bulbs. The bulb produces 2 to 4 upright, linear leaves measuring 3 to 7mm wide, with a glaucous green colour, more or less flat or slightly folded in a gutter. The flowering occurs between March and late April depending on the climate. The flower stems rise 12-15cm (5-6in) above the ground. At their tip, an ovoid cluster 4 to 6cm (2in) tall blooms. In the 'Superstar' variety, each cluster is composed of many small bell-shaped flowers in blue with white edges, tightly packed together. The fertile flowers located at the top of the spike are upright and of a lighter blue. The fragrance of this flowering is not very pronounced, but it attracts pollinators. The foliage yellows and then disappears after flowering, and the bulb enters a rest period. This Grape Hyacinth naturalizes easily in light and well-drained soil. 

Plant the 'Superstar' Muscari botryoides in groups of about ten bulbs, in a flower carpet or along a path to achieve a good decorative effect, or randomly naturalize them in a short grass meadow and at the base of bushes. It also appreciates the well-drained soil of a rockery. Its flowering gives a very blue impression, which will highlight all the other spring bulbs. It pairs particularly well with daffodils and Greek anemones, in scenes of great delicacy. Early pink or white tulips are also lovely companions for its blue flowering. In a naturally inspired garden, it requires little maintenance.