Three matchless Muscaris chosen by plant hunter Lark Hanham
Enjoyed in the __garden for hundreds of years, Grape Hyacinths are bulbous perennials that you can plant and literally forget. Their hardiness and adaptability has seen them become a reliable and much-loved ingredient for the spring garden, offering some vibrant early colour and a delicious scent too. They appear in shades, from pastel blue to almost black-navy hues, and last from March to May – so they’re very rewarding. I think they look particularly spectacular when allowed to naturalise and self-seed in informal settings. However their short anti-flop stems and numerous tufts of profoundly arranged flowers make them ideal for plugging gaps or for skirting along semi-shaded pathways.
Comosum (leopoldia)
A striking plant that’s rarely seen growing in the UK. Its 50cm tall stature and peculiar appearance measures up to a Kniphofia and sees it descriptively referred to as the Grape Tassel Hyacinth due to is pendulous dishevelled blooms. Flowering from May to July, it arrives later than most and provides extended interest.
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Neglectum
Ideal for quickly filling sunny areas of the __garden with giant swathes or even rivers of colour, this specimen balances finesse and vigour. Its ink-blue-black flowers have a contrasting white band to the rim, and they appear in gardens in April and May and possess a citrus scent. Height 30cm.
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Aucheri Ocean Magic
As if by magic, the long-flowering Ocean Magic slowly transforms to create an attractive three-tiered colour affect. Slower to establish than most and non-invasive, its scent is incredible and its beauty subtle, but breath-taking. Flowering March to May. Height 20cm.
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How to buy
Buy Lark’s matchless Muscaris
- Buy 15 bulbs for £5.49, the collection of 45 (15 of each)for only £10.98 or the collection of 90 (30 of each) for only £17.99. Plus P&P £4.95.
- Supplied as 5+/8 sized bulbs in 14 days*.
- Order at gardenshop.telegraph.co.uk/musc or call 0333 772 0325. Your contract for the supply of goods is with Hayloft Plants Ltd.
- *Offers subject to availability.
Offer closing date November 29, 2016.
Plant of the Week
Fritillaria imperialis ‘Maxima Lutea’ AGM
Why
Distinguished by extra-large yellow pendant blooms, which over time create imposing clumps of dazzling colour, this RHS award-winning beauty won’t fail to impress.
Where
Lutea is best planted in rich, free-draining soils, in full sun. It’s advised to position them in an area that is out of prevailing winds as this has a tendency to snap their stems.
How
The best time to plant is in autumn, when they can put down roots before going into dormancy. Bulbs should be planted on their side to increase water runoff and further reduce the likelihood of rotting. A high potash liquid feed such as Tomorite in spring will help promote flowering.
Works well with…
Team with Tulips and Alliums to lift displays with some spring fresh vibrancy.
Height 1.5m and spread 50cm.
How to buy
- Buy one specimen bulb for £5, three for £10, five for £15 or 15 for only £35. Plus£4.95 P&P
- Supplied as specimen 22-24cm sized bulbs at the optimum time toplant in 14 days*.
- Order at gardenshop.telegraph.co.uk or call 0333 772 0325. Contract for supply of goods is with Hayloft Plants Ltd.
- *Offers subject to availability.
