This flower is better than tulips and daffodils: the mysterious Muscari. Muscari flowers - an exquisite baby viper onion When to replant muscari

A miniature, neat, compact flower, mouse hyacinth captivates with its amazing, graceful, delicate inflorescences. When all of nature is still sleeping or just waking up after the snow melts, the first blue-violet hyacinth flowers are already reaching for the sun and are almost the only decoration of the garden.

Many species and varieties are used as ornamental plants, very often used in landscaping and decorating garden plots, and grown as indoor plants. Thanks to its easy and quick propagation and completely unpretentious care, mouse hyacinth has gained a lot of fans among domestic gardeners.

Viper onion, muscari, mouse hyacinth - these are the main names of the same plant. More recently, the bulbous perennial flower was classified as a member of the Hyacinth or Liliaceae family; now mouse hyacinth is listed in the Asparagus family.

The name muscari is given to the flower because of its characteristic odor, reminiscent of musk.

The flower was nicknamed viper onion by accident, one might say, due to ignorance. The flower often grows in sunny, bright meadows, where snakes are often seen among the plants. Many, out of ignorance, believed that reptiles feed on the leaves of the flower. However, it soon became clear that the snakes were indifferent to herbs and flowers, and crawled out into the clearings to soak up the sun and bask in the sun.

The prefix in the name “mouse” appeared because of the miniature, tiny appearance of the bright purple and blue inflorescences.

In addition to the accepted, main names, the flower also has popular names:

in Europe, the plant was nicknamed grape hyacinth because the densely planted buds resemble a bunch of grapes in appearance;
in France, muscari is called earth lilac, the name was fixed due to the similarity of the color and shape of the dense inflorescences with the purple flowers of unblown lilac;
in Greece the plant is called the “rain flower” because its appearance always coincides with the first spring precipitation.

A low plant, about 10–30 cm tall. The bulb is fleshy, ovoid, round in shape, 2–3.5 cm in diameter, covered with light scales. The leaves are basal, linear, belt-shaped, strong, 10–17 cm long and 0.5–2.5 cm wide. At the beginning of the growing season, up to seven leaves emerge from one bulb. Depending on the type and variety, basal leaves can form in spring or autumn.

The stem is an erect, bare, dense peduncle from one bulb-head; most often, one, less often two, peduncles emerge. At the top of the stem a dense, dense, multi-flowered, racemose inflorescence 2–8 cm long is formed.

The flowers are small, fragrant, on short stalks, tightly pressed to each other. The shape of the buds resembles a capsule or barrel with six short cloves bent outward. Miniature flowers can be compared to lily of the valley flowers, only tightly sitting on the stem. In most cases, the color of the buds is blue or purple; there are varieties with white, pink, yellow, and combined colors.

Seeds are formed only in the lower part of the inflorescence, since the apical flowers are sterile. The fruit is a three-locular, winged, angular seed capsule. The seeds are dark, small, round, wrinkled and remain viable for about one year.

The flowering period depends on the type and variety, and the climatic zone of cultivation. The plant is an early bloomer, mainly from April to the end of May you can see delicate miniature flowers. Breeders have obtained new varieties, the flowering of which can be observed until mid-June. Flowering duration is no more than one month.

Muscari is a completely undemanding plant and can withstand shortcomings in care. It can exist calmly without special attention to its person from the florist.

Mouse hyacinth is an excellent honey plant; its pleasant smell attracts many bees, butterflies and bumblebees to the garden.

The flower is widespread throughout Europe, Western Asia, North Africa, and the countries of the Mediterranean region.

The greatest likelihood of seeing muscari is on grassy slopes, among bushes at the edges of the mountain forest zone. Some species have become naturalized in North America and Australia.

Bloom

Delicate, miniature plants bloom throughout spring. The beginning and duration of flowering depends on the variety and type of hyacinth, as well as on growing conditions. The earliest flowers can be seen in April. Breeders have developed new varieties whose flowers can be admired in early summer. By combining different species and varieties with different flowering periods in a flowerbed, you can achieve mouse hyacinth flowering throughout the spring, in the best case - until mid-June.

On a bare, strong stem, a racemose inflorescence is formed with tightly planted buds on thin stems. The flowers are small, neat, reminiscent of round lanterns or berries. Wild species have predominantly purple and blue shades of flowers; plants with white, blue, pink and yellow flowers can be grown in cultivation.

After flowering, mouse hyacinth goes into hibernation, which lasts most of the year.

Types, varieties and varieties

As of 2014, a little more than 40 species of mouse hyacinth and muscari are known. About 20 species are found on the territory of Russia and the former Soviet republics. Most of them are grown as ornamental plants in flower pots at home and in garden plots.

Thanks to natural diversity and the work of breeders, muscari has many varieties and varieties. They differ in the shape and color of the buds, the length of the stem and leaves, and the flowering period. Not all mouse hyacinths are early bloomers; there are representatives of the genus whose flowers can be admired from late May to early June. You can also divide muscari according to popularity, into universal favorites and rare, little-studied species.

Muscari grapevine

In various sources, in addition to the main name, you can find a description of a flower called racemose mouse hyacinth (Muscari botryoides). This type of muscari can most often be seen in flower beds and gardens. A small plant no higher than 12–15 cm long. Due to its modest size, the flower is recommended to be planted in open areas, in the foreground of the flower garden.

The bulbous head has a rounded, elongated appearance, up to 3.5 cm in length and up to 2.5 cm in width. The leaves are narrow, linear, smooth, no more than 12 cm long and up to 1 cm wide. One bulb produces from two to six leaves. Small, miniature, barrel-shaped flowers of purple color, the edges of the flower are tiny, bent teeth, white. The flowers, in a racemose inflorescence no more than 12 cm long, are very densely planted on a strong peduncle.

The first buds bloom in early May. The flowers delight with their delicate, bright, unusual appearance for no more than one month. After which seeds are formed. Based on the species, various varieties with white and pink buds have been obtained.

Muscari latifolia

In its natural environment it germinates and is found in a limited area in the western and southern forests of Turkey. Despite this, the flower has become widely known among garden flower lovers. Broad-leaved hyacinth is a very heat-loving species; it does not tolerate cold drafts, and in winters with little snow it can freeze. During the cold season, the plant needs additional shelter.

Starting from mid-spring, an arrow with a flower emerges from the bulb, the height of which can reach 25 cm. The inflorescence is tight, formed by about a hundred small, elongated, berry-shaped flowers. The inflorescence itself has a cylindrical shape, the color of which at the top is light purple, smoothly transitions to the base with a darker purple tint. Flowering duration is about 25–30 days.

Ovoid bulb up to 2 cm in diameter and up to 3 cm in length. The leaves are lanceolate, large compared to other species, up to 2.5 cm wide and up to 15–17 cm long. The leaf blades are strong, grow upward and seem to hug the peduncle; in appearance they resemble tulip leaves.

Muscari pale

The species can rarely be found in garden plots and flower shops. In its natural environment, it grows on mountain slopes and subalpine meadows of the Caucasus and in eastern Turkey.

From one oval bulb-head, up to 3 cm long and up to 2 cm in diameter, up to six narrow, belt-shaped leaves grow up to 20 cm long and 0.5 cm wide. With the onset of cold weather, the leaves die off, becoming additional shelter for the winter. One bulb is capable of producing one, or less often two, peduncles up to 12 cm long. The inflorescence is formed from 40 small, elongated, oval flowers of pale blue color, almost white. You can admire the beautiful, delicate muscari flowers for 15–20 days in the second half of May. In culture, on the territory of Russia, it is extremely rare.

Muscari crested

The only species that is unmistakably recognized among the representatives of the mouse hyacinth. The flower has an additional “tail,” “forelock,” or “tuft” at the top of the inflorescence. It blooms in late May - early June; the species is classified as a late-blooming mouse hyacinth. During flowering, the plant becomes very elongated. So, at the initial stage of the appearance of flowers, the height of the plant is no more than 25 cm. Upon completion of flowering, the stem with buds stretches to 50–70 cm.

From a large bulb, up to 4 cm in diameter, 4–6 narrow, belt-shaped leaves emerge.
There are usually no more than two peduncles, at the top of each a multi-flowered, loose racemose inflorescence is formed. Small flowers of dark blue-violet color, cylindrical in shape on thin petioles. At the top of the stem, the buds are collected in a bunch and have longer pedicels, which is why they take on the appearance of a tuft. The apical flowers are sterile; seeds are formed after pollination of flowers with a brown-violet color and a light, beige edge. The species reproduces more by seeds than by daughter bulbs, which is why it often produces weeds.

In nature, crested muscari grows on the plains of Southern Europe and Southeast Asia.

Muscari Oshe or Muscari Tubergen

Muscari Oshe

Very beautiful and neat appearance. The inflorescence is small, formed by densely planted barrel-shaped flowers. A distinctive feature of the species is the color of the buds. At the top, the flowers are painted pale blue or light blue; at the bottom, most of the inflorescence, the flowers are of a more contrasting, dark color with white teeth. Flowering time is mid-April.

The bulb is medium-sized, ovoid, almost round, up to 1.5 cm in diameter and up to 2 cm in length. The leaves are narrow, linear, up to 15–18 cm long and up to 0.5 cm wide. Typically, one bulb produces up to three leaves and one peduncle up to 25 cm long. In winter, the leaves fall off, creating additional shelter for the winter.

Muscari Pretty

Blooms in late winter - early spring. Because of this feature, it is practically not grown at home. In its natural environment it can be found in Southwestern Israel and coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea.

The leaves are narrow, the edges bend, forming a narrow slit. The plant is miniature, together with the peduncle it is up to 15 cm in height. The ovoid inflorescence is formed by densely planted elongated flowers of a bright blue color with bent white teeth.

Muscari ambrosia

A type of muscari with interesting large buds collected on a strong, erect peduncle. Each bud has an elongated shape, narrowed at the end. Flowers on short petioles, planted loosely. There are 20–50 flowers on one peduncle, the colors of which change over time. So, at the beginning of flowering, the buds are purple, gradually turn pale, lighten, acquire a greenish-yellow tint, and at the end of flowering they become creamy.

The plant is small, about 10–25 cm in height. The leaves are dark green, linear, grooved, dense, up to 2 cm wide, equal to the length of the peduncle. The flowering period occurs in early to mid-spring.

Blue spike

A young variety from Holland, recognized as highly decorative, is often used in landscape design and floristry. Plant height is 20–25 cm. The racemose inflorescence is voluminous, double, formed by 150–170 small, blue, fragrant flowers. Unlike the natural species, the Blue spike variety has several buds on one stalk, which is why the inflorescence takes on the appearance of a “shaggy” panicle. All flowers are sterile. During the season, the plant forms up to 3 daughter bulbs. It blooms in May for 20–25 days. The growing season of leaves begins in the fall, which do not fall and overwinter under the snow.

Cantab

Muscari Cantab

The variety is a representative of the Armenian type of muscari. The maximum height of the plant during the flowering period is 20 cm. It blooms in May for one month. The flowers are bright blue with white teeth. The buds are elongated, tightly planted on a straight stem. The variety is quite popular, often used for landscaping gardens and growing at home.

Moschatum

A little-studied and rather rare species of mouse hyacinth. It was discovered in the mountains of Turkey and Northern Iraq. The height of the plant is no more than 20 cm. The leaves are narrow, up to 2 cm wide, long, belt-shaped, dark green. One inflorescence contains about 50 cylindrical flowers, tapering at the ends. The edges are jagged, bent outward. The species has been little studied and the question remains open as to which family it should be assigned to, either Hyacinth or Scilla.

Muscari neglected

In the literature, the species can be found under a different name - the unnoticed mouse hyacinth. At the beginning of the growing season, one or two bare peduncles emerge from the bulb. Only after this, leaves appear. The flowers are elongated, oval-tubular, dark blue or purple, and look like large grapes. The teeth are round and painted white. The inflorescence is oblong, dense, multi-flowered. Leaves, narrow, up to 15 cm long, up to 6 pcs. emerge from the ovoid bulb.

Muscari neglected is distributed over a vast territory of Europe, Asia and Russia. Mainly found in forest-steppe and steppe zones. In Russia, the species is included in many Red Data Books of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation: Belgorod, Volgograd, Kursk and Rostov regions.

Saffier

Muscari Saffier

Variety, representative of Armenian muscari. A rather heat-loving flower, it is extremely rare at Russian latitudes. In one season, one plant produces a whole group of “daughter” bulbs. Because of this feature, the variety quickly spreads and fills nearby areas. The flowers are dark blue, elongated, with white edges. Blooms in April - May. The height of the plant including the peduncle is about 20 cm.

Muscari azure

In various sources, the species is found under the name azure muscari. The plant is 15–20 cm in height. The inflorescence is small, up to 8 cm long, formed by bell-shaped, cylindrical flowers of a soft blue color, and the color of the flowers varies depending on the location. So, in the upper part of the inflorescence the flowers are lighter, in the lower part they are darker. One inflorescence contains about 30–50 buds.

The plant blooms very interestingly - the lower flowers bloom first, creating the effect of a “ballerina’s skirt”. You can see this amazing fragrant flower in April - May. The species is native to the mountainous regions of northwestern Turkey.

Plumosum

Muscari comosum Plumosum

An interesting variety of crested mouse hyacinth. The flowers are very different from the usual appearance of muscari buds. Open inflorescences are formed by thread-like, lilac-violet, sterile flowers. The form is unstable in the middle zone.

Muscari large-fruited

The basal leaves are dark gray-green, narrow, with curved edges. The buds are large, cylindrical or barrel-shaped, red-brown in color, and as they open, acquire a yellow-green tint. The height of the flower including the peduncle is 15–20 cm.

Home care

An unpretentious, charming flower will fit perfectly into any interior, bringing special spring freshness and comfort to a city apartment, open balcony or terrace. Growing mouse hyacinth in a separate flower container is not difficult. For these purposes, choose a container with a large number of holes at the bottom to remove excess water and prevent stagnation of liquid. The first to place drainage material in the flower container is expanded clay, broken brick or crushed nut shells. Next, loose, fertilized, permeable soil is poured. Bulbs are planted in moist soil.

One of the features of growing muscari at home is the short growing season. The plant is kept indoors only during flowering. After the flowers fade and the leaves dry, the pot is transferred to the garden and partially buried. This procedure will allow the plant to form bulbs. The flower container with muscari remains in the garden until the end of winter.

With the beginning of spring, the pot is returned indoors, the bulbs along with the soil are transplanted into a new flower container, or the pot is placed in a beautiful flowerpot.

Even despite the unpretentious nature of the plant, keeping it at home requires much more attention and effort compared to its counterparts growing in open ground.

Watering

Muscari can be called a flower for very busy people. For those who love the beauty around them, but are unable to pay due attention to it. The flower withstands deficiencies in maintenance. The only time when a plant needs care is during the flowering period. Hyacinth needs strength to open the flower. During this period, the soil around the muscari should be kept moist. It is extremely dangerous to flood the flower planting area with water; it is very susceptible to excess and stagnation of water.

Prolonged stay in wet soil can cause bulbs to rot.

After 1.5-2 weeks, after the start of flowering, you can relax your attention to watering the flower. Moreover, after flowering, the hyacinth goes into “dormant mode” and there is enough natural precipitation for the plant to grow comfortably.

Thinning

Having once planted mouse hyacinth in the garden, after 3-4 years you can find a fairly densely overgrown area. Muscari is thinned out as necessary, when the flower has grown and in case of transplantation to a new place. To prevent self-seeding, after flowering the shoot with seeds is cut off.

Fertilizer and feeding

To maintain active growth, bright and lush flowering, the plant needs fertilizing. In the spring, when digging, organic fertilizers are added to the soil at the rate of 4–5 kg of raw materials per square meter.

To provide the flower with all the nutrients, compost is added to the soil in the fall. This will allow the bulb to gain strength, survive the winter and wake up in the spring.

In potted muscari, fertilizing is required twice a month during the growing season. Use a special liquid combined fertilizer for home ornamental plants.

Hyacinth is a long-liver; it can easily grow in one place for 8–10 years.

How to care for muscari in the garden

Mouse hyacinth is one of the first garden plants to delight with its flowering, long before the rest of the plantings bloom. Nature has decreed that the delicate, bright panicles of muscari are not lost at all in the middle of the site. And all because nothing prevents the plant from reaching for the sun - the grass has not yet grown, the leaves on the trees have not blossomed.

The flower will tolerate any place in the garden, be it a bright, open meadow or at the foot of trees in partial shade. The main thing is that hyacinth should not be planted in lowlands and low areas of the garden. Prolonged stagnation of water is detrimental to the flower. Completely low maintenance. Bulbs in the ground can easily withstand winters in central Russia.

Proper care and maintenance will allow muscari to form larger and healthier bulbs, flowering will be brighter, richer and longer.

General care rules are suitable for all types of mouse hyacinth, however, some varieties require closer attention from the gardener. Thus, the broad-leaved species and Osha need soil mulching.

Periodically, the soil around the bulb is checked for the presence of weeds. Unwanted vegetation and dried leaves are removed and the soil is loosened. Moreover, the leaves are removed from the plant after they have completely died. During the period of active growth, the plant cannot be completely trimmed. As a result of such actions, the bulbs suffer, which react sharply to a sudden interruption of the growth process. If you often cut off the above-ground part, the bulbs will gradually become crushed and after a while they will simply disappear.

Soil requirements

This amazing perennial is very tenacious and can take root on soil with any mechanical composition. If you set a goal to provide a flower with ideal growth conditions, then first of all you select loose, fertile soil. The earthen substrate must allow water to pass through well; stagnation of liquid is detrimental to the plant.

Muscari after flowering

If the plant was not grown for cutting, then after flowering, the stems should be trimmed. Moreover, it is better to carry out the procedure for removing the inflorescence before the seeds are completely ripe. Ripening fruits take a lot of energy from the bulb. Many gardeners do not remove the inflorescences and allow the fruits to ripen. Thus allowing the plant to reproduce by seed.

Preparing for winter

One of the advantages of muscari is its resistance to the cold season. Dry soil and dead leaves will serve as a good shelter for the bulb for the winter. Additional shelter is required only for some species and varieties.

Planting and propagation

Mouse hyacinth is propagated in two ways - by seeds and daughter bulbs. The plant produces a lot and often “gives birth” to new bulb heads. In this connection, the vegetative method is an easier way to propagate hyacinth. Moreover, in flower shops, you can often find muscari bulbs rather than seeds.

And flowering of a plant grown by seeds occurs much later, compared to propagation by bulbs.

It is better to buy planting material in specialized stores, where the chance of purchasing low-quality goods is minimal. In any case, the bulbs should be treated with a fungicidal agent before planting. In almost every home there is potassium permanganate powder, a weak aqueous solution of which will help rid the seed of possible diseases and pests.

When to plant?

Muscari are planted in early autumn so that before the onset of cold weather they take root in a new place and gain strength to survive the winter. Flowering of young bulbs occurs in the second year after planting.

How to plant?

In the prepared area, make indentations 5–8 cm at a distance of 5–10 cm from each other. Lower the bulb into the hole, sprinkle it with earth so that the layer of soil above the bulb is approximately 2 cm. Mouse hyacinth is planted in groups of 10–30 bulbs, but the plantings are not thickened. Single plantings are not so effective, even at home; several muscari are planted in one flower container.

Growing from seeds

This method of obtaining new plants is extremely rarely used. Because the first flowering can be seen after 3–4 years. The first 1–2 years are spent on the formation of bulbs. Seeds with good germination are formed only on the largest and healthiest flowers.
Sowing of seeds is carried out in the fall. Seeds are planted in pre-prepared beds or containers with soil to a depth of 0.5-1 cm. Throughout the entire time, until germination, they are periodically watered, weeds are removed, carefully loosened, and fertilizing is applied.

Vegetative methods of propagation

Muscari often and abundantly forms daughter bulbs, which are used to propagate hyacinth. Towards the end of the growing season, during transplantation, young bulbs are separated from the main bulb. This method allows you to get a new plant much faster than seed propagation. If the flower is not planted, then in 2–3 years you can get a thick flowering carpet.

Soil preparation

Hyacinth can grow on almost any soil. However, every gardener strives to create ideal conditions for the growth and development of garden plants. In the case of mouse hyacinth, prepare the soil with a variety of organic matter and an acidity index in the range of 5.8-6.5.

When compost or humus is added to the soil, the plant responds with brighter, richer color and longer flowering.

Transfer

Largely overgrown plants should be divided or completely moved to a new location. To do this, use a shovel to dig up a large group of muscari. They take out the bulbs, preserving the “native” lump of earth. The roots are brittle, so try not to shake off the soil from them. Planted in a new place, watered abundantly. Transplantation is carried out in the fall, after the completion of the growing season.

Wintering and storing bulbs

If the dug up bulbs are intended for storage, then they are treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and dried indoors at a temperature not exceeding 20 Cº. Store in a cool place. If planting material was purchased in a specialized store, then they do not need additional disinfection treatment with fungicides.

Diseases and pests

The plant is extremely rarely attacked by various insect pests, since all parts of the flower are poisonous.

Problems with growth and flowering arise due to gross violation of growing conditions.

One of the common problems leading to withering and even death of the plant is rotting of the bulbs due to stagnation of water in the soil.

Medicinal properties of the muscari plant

Due to its medicinal properties, muscari is used in folk medicine. However, it is not pharmacopoeial and is not used in traditional medicine.

Due to its pleasant aroma, mouse hyacinth has found use in perfumery and cosmetology. Muscari essential oil is used for cosmetic purposes as an antiseptic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, and is effective as an aphrodisiac for sexual weakness and frigidity.

Despite the many beneficial properties of muscari, do not forget that all parts of the plant are poisonous.

An alcohol tincture is prepared from fresh flower petals and used for external use (lotions, rubs, compresses). Alcohol extracts are used to care for aging, problematic skin and acne.

Viper onion is widely used in Asian folk medicine, where various preparations from the plant are used as a wound-healing, analgesic and rejuvenating agent.

Muscari essential oil is often used in aromatherapy. Possessing a sedative effect, it has proven itself in the treatment of nervous system disorders.
During painful and heavy menstruation, in folk medicine, muscari douching is used.

Preparations based on the plant are used only externally; ingestion can cause poisoning. The plant is poisonous (especially the bulbs); its use for medicinal and cosmetic purposes must be careful. Contraindications to external use of muscari include pregnancy and breastfeeding, childhood, and individual intolerance.

When working and in contact with muscari, you should protect your skin from getting the plant juice.

Application in landscape design

Small, miniature flowers are used in landscaping gardens, lawns, ridges, rock gardens, along paths, as a border plant, in continuously blooming flower beds. Looks great surrounded by low-growing ground cover grasses, as a seal between large flowers. Other bulbous and herbal flowers - crocuses, chionodoxes, daffodils, tulips, hazel grouse, hyacinths, primroses - will be good partners for mouse hyacinth. A great combination of blue-violet viper onion flowers with yellow and red flowers.

To add emphasis to bright inflorescences, the flower is planted against the background of garden plants with large gray leaves. When organizing a mixed flower garden, flowers with a later flowering period are planted next to the hyacinth. Since after flowering muscari cannot boast of a bright, unusual appearance, properly selected “neighbors” can brighten up the lack of bright flowers of a small plant. Excellent late-flowering partners for muscari are awl-shaped phloxes, lilies, astilbes, and hosts.

Mouse hyacinth has a pleasant and strong scent, well suited for cutting and creating bouquets and various flower arrangements. Inflorescences are cut into bouquets only after the lower flowers have opened.

photo of muscari flowers ↓

Delicate spring muscari flowers resemble small bells. Collected in inflorescences, they evoke tenderness and give a good mood, which is why muscari is often used in floral arrangements and landscape design; they are known both as viper onion and mouse hyacinth. Flowering of muscari of different varieties can be observed in April or May. This ephemeroid spends most of the year underground in the form of a bulb.

ABOUT THE NAMES AND FEATURES OF SYSTEMATICS

Muscari is the literal translation of the Latin name of the genus Muscari. The genus belongs to the class Monocots, division Angiosperms, or Flowering plants. There is no clear opinion on the taxonomy of Muscari yet, since the genus is classified both in the Hyacinth family (Hyacinthaceae) - an established classification, and in the Asparagaceae family - a late version. Both classifications are correct and are mentioned in various sources. But entry into the Liliaceae family is considered an outdated taxonomy. The scientific names of the genus Eubotrys and Botryanthus are used as synonyms, as well as everyday ones - mouse hyacinth, viper onion, snake onion.
The Latin name Muscari was given to the plant by the English botanist F. Miller, who noted that the aroma of flowers is similar to the smell of musk. The “snake” names are derived from the misconception among people that vipers eat muscari leaves, so in the spring they can be found next to these flowers. But all snakes, including vipers, are predators that feed exclusively on animal food. One of the reasons why snakes are observed near clumps of mouse hyacinth is sunlight. After all, plants grow in clearings illuminated by the sun - the warmest and warmest in the spring, and snakes crawl there to bask.
The name “mouse hyacinth” was given to the plant for its small size and similarity to hyacinth, with which it is closely related. Another name little known to us is grape hyacinth. This is what muscari flowers are called in Europe. The name is given for the inflorescences that resemble bunches of grapes. Photo of muscari flowers, inflorescences like bunches of grapes ↓

WHERE DOES MOUSE HYACINTH GROW?

Muscari is a European genus whose range extends to northern Africa and western Asia. The largest number of species (more than 60%) will grow in the Mediterranean regions. Some species have been introduced to Australia and North America.
Mouse hyacinth lives in forest clearings, thickets of bushes, and slopes overgrown with grass; found in the steppe zone and in the mountains. In mountainous areas it can grow in forests or open areas, rising up to 3000 m above sea level.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES OF MUSCARI REPRODUCTION IN NATURE

The life form of mouse hyacinth is a perennial herbaceous plant. The early spring ephemeroid spends most of the year in a dormant state. The stem of muscari is modified and is an elongated bulb with a diameter of up to 2 cm and a height of up to 6 cm; varieties have larger sizes. The bulb accumulates a supply of nutrients in a short period of time, and spends most of the year in a dormant state. In spring, mouse hyacinth throws out leaves and flower stalks, which are mistakenly called stems. The total height of the plant is from 10 to 30 cm. Narrow lanceolate leaves with parallel veins are collected in a basal rosette. The leaf blades form grooves. As the leaves grow, they usually bend in an arched manner.
Blue or purple muscari flowers are collected in a raceme inflorescence up to 8 cm long and resemble lilies of the valley or hyacinths. Sometimes in varieties and forms of muscari there are perianths of white, pink, dark blue and even yellow shades. The upper flowers of muscari are sterile and serve the function of attracting insects with which muscari is pollinated. This method of pollination is called entomophily.
The muscari perianth is simple, regular, actinomorphic, consisting of six fused petals, forming a barrel. The muscari flower has six stamens with purple or blue anthers. There is one pistil, the ovary is superior, consisting of three carpels. The fruit is a three-chamber capsule. One type of seed dispersal is myrmecochory, with the help of ants. Mouse hyacinth seeds are equipped with fat-containing appendages (elaiosomes) that attract these insects. They pick them up and take them to the anthill. Then two options are possible: the seed is lost on the road, and the seed is delivered to the anthill. Both options are good for muscari. After all, the ants eat only the elaiosome and throw the seeds outside undamaged.

MUSCARI IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Mouse hyacinth is widely used to decorate spring flower beds, alpine slides, rockeries, and continuous flowering flower beds. Large plantings of muscari flowers look picturesque against the backdrop of a green lawn or lawns. They are planted in groups in the company of small-bulbous plants - crocuses, scillas , Chionodox and other ephemeroids - daffodils , hyacinths , dwarf and regular tulips, hazel grouse And . Like all spring-flowering bulbs, the above-ground part of muscari takes on an unattractive appearance after flowering. Therefore, when planting in flower beds and other flower beds, mouse hyacinth is combined with plants whose growing season begins later, so that they can hide its withering and the resulting void. For these purposes, phlox awl-shaped, yaskolka , astilbe , hostas and some other plants.
A good option is to plant muscari flowers under the crowns of deciduous trees, since it develops before the leaves appear and is one of the few decorations of the garden at this time. In addition to its decorative qualities, mouse hyacinth is one of the best honey plants at this time of year, attracting bees, bumblebees and other insects to the site and generously treating them with nectar. And when the foliage on the trees becomes dense and interferes with the growth of land plants, muscari stops the growing season. Muscari planted by humans are well naturalized in nature. A striking example of landscape planting of muscari are the famous blue and white rivers of mouse hyacinth in Keukenhof park in Holland. The pictures they see so shock people that as a result, many artistic images of the landscape appear, enhancing the effect of the muscari flowering. In the photo: broadleaf muscari / Latifolium ↓

Muscari is also suitable for container growing; its fragrant flowers will decorate open terraces, patios, and balconies. Muscari flowers planted in pots and decorative containers go well with forget-me-nots , daisies, viola.
Muscari flowers look tender and cute when cut into bouquets. For Christmas, March 8 and other dates, muscari is traditionally used for distillation. Various muscari, container growing ↓

GROWING MUSCARI IN OPEN GROUND

Planting site and soil
Most cultivated plants of the genus are unpretentious, so growing muscari does not cause problems. Flowers prefer to grow in well-lit areas with direct sunlight, but can also live in the shade. Mouse hyacinth does not require much care and shelter for the winter, except that some varieties and species will require mulching (broadleaf muscari and Oshe muscari). In addition, muscari flowers are undemanding to soil and grow almost anywhere. But if the substrates are light or medium, rich in organic components and with a slightly acidic pH (5.8-6.5), they grow especially expressive and attractive. Therefore, before planting muscari, it is advisable to add compost or humus to the soil at the rate of half a bucket per square meter. m.

Planting muscari
Mouse hyacinth is planted in groups of 10 to 30 pieces. The bulbs (except store-bought ones) must first be treated with a fungicide, for example Fitosporin. The distance between them when planting is on average 4-7 cm. Depth is up to 8 cm, it, like the distance, depends on the size of the bulb, for a smaller size - less, for large bulbs - more. In any case, there should be a layer of soil above the bulb of at least 1 cm. Sometimes, as a scheme, it is recommended to plant one hundred to two hundred plants per square meter. m.
If muscari is to be planted on a lawn, carefully remove the turf from the selected area to a depth of 8 cm. Then the soil is loosened, filled with compost, removing exactly the same amount of soil to maintain a flat surface of the lawn, and the bulbs are planted. Immediately after planting, the cut piece of lawn is returned to its place and watered well. Muscari flower bulbs ↓

Caring for muscari
During growth and flowering, mouse hyacinth needs a moist (but not wet) substrate. Under no circumstances should you allow water to stagnate in the soil - this will lead to rotting of the bulbs. For this reason, even slightly flooded areas in spring or during rains are not suitable for planting muscari. Plants especially need moisture during the flowering period. Watering is completely stopped after two weeks. After the leaves die, semi-dry soil is best for the bulbs.
In order for muscari to bloom and grow well, compost is added to the soil in the spring. Container plants are additionally fed with liquid complex fertilizers once every 2 weeks during the growing season.
Caring for muscari also involves loosening the soil and removing weeds that may interfere with the development of the bulb.
If muscari flowers are grown on a lawn, the lawn in this area is not mowed during the growing season. Otherwise, the muscari bulbs will be small, and over time the plantings will disappear altogether. Lawn mowing resume after complete wilting and drying of the leaves.
Caring for muscari is also made easier by the fact that the plant is almost not affected by diseases and pests. The only threat to the bulbs is rodents, from which they escape with repellers, mousetraps or special preparations.
The planting site for muscari must be changed every four years. This can be done during muscari flowering, when the location of the bulbs is noticeable. To do this, dig out the overgrown curtains with a shovel and transplant them together with a lump of earth to a new place without damaging the roots. Be sure to water well afterwards. In places where the presence of vacationers after the bulbs bloom is well determined, mouse hyacinth is replanted in the fall.
With careful care, faded muscari buds are removed. Indeed, on the one hand, the ripening of seeds takes away some of the nutrients from the growing bulbs, and on the other hand, self-seeding promotes the growth of muscari plantings, which may be undesirable in a particular case. In some varieties, the seed pods are so decorative that it is not worth removing them, for example, the terry variety Blue Spike.

GROWING MUSCARI IN CONTAINERS

In recent years, growing muscari flowers in decorative containers has become increasingly popular. How to plant muscari in this case?
A plastic pot with a drainage hole and bulbs planted in it in the fall is buried in the garden, and in the spring it is placed in a beautiful flowerpot, or the bulbs are replanted along with the soil without disturbing the roots. They complement the flower arrangement by planting other spring-flowering plants, for example, plant pansies . When the flowers lose their decorative effect, they are moved again, along with the pot, into the ground for further formation of bulbs, and left in this state until next spring. Growing muscari in a container requires more careful care. Indeed, in this case, the plants are watered and fed more often.

GROWING MUSCARI IN CLOSED GROUND (forcing)

Only healthy bulbs of the largest diameter are suitable for forcing; depending on the type and variety, their size can be from 6 to 10 cm in diameter. You can buy them or use your own planting material. Muscari bulbs are dug up after the entire above-ground part has died, washed, treated with a fungicide (Fitosporin, a weak solution of potassium permanganate, etc.), dried at room temperature and stored until September in a ventilated and dry place at a temperature of +20 °C. Purchased bulbs are not processed; they are ready for planting. Then the storage temperature is reduced to +17 °C. The main condition for growing muscari in winter in pots and containers is the correct temperature. Without exposure at a temperature of +2-5°C, muscari will not bloom. Depending on the desired flowering period, the time for planting the bulbs is calculated: 3-4 months of aging in cool conditions plus two to three weeks for forcing. Having decided on the period, the bulbs are placed in a cold place with a temperature of +9 °C for about 35 days, stored in dry sawdust, cotton wool or wrapped in paper. Afterwards the temperature is lowered to +5 °C (you can use a refrigerator). Two weeks before the end of the cold period, muscari are planted tightly in pots in moist soil, the bulbs are buried 2 cm, the upper part should remain in the air.
The substrate for forcing muscari is similar to that used for open ground: nutritious and aerated. You can use a mixture of peat, forest soil and sand (or perlite). You must put something at the bottom of the container for drainage (expanded clay, shards, pebbles).
After the allotted period, the pots are transferred to a warm and bright place with a temperature of about +10 °C; after a day or three, the temperature is raised to +15 °C. When the soil dries out, water it moderately, avoiding getting on the top of the bulb. Flowering should occur in two weeks; in a cool room it will last longer, but still will not exceed 10 days.

VEGETATIVE REPRODUCTION

Muscari can be propagated vegetatively and generatively (seeds). The vegetative method is the planting of daughter bulbs that form on the mother bulb. It is thanks to vegetative propagation in nature that muscari flowers quickly grow, occupying vast meadows. It is best to plant mouse hyacinth in September. His babies are easily separated. Large ones are planted in a permanent place, their flowering occurs in the second year. Small bulbs are grown on a growing bed at a distance of 1-2 cm from each other.

REPRODUCTION BY SEEDS

Most muscari species reproduce in nature by self-sowing. In culture, this method is rarely used - when propagated by seed, muscari bloom only 3-4 years after sowing. You can use your own plants for propagation by seeds. On the best of them, the seeds are not removed, but are allowed to ripen. In the fall, after harvesting, the seeds are sown in open ground or in a container for seedlings. In the seedling growing method, seed stratification is used for better germination. The seeding depth is 1 cm. Caring for muscari seedlings will require careful attention. Weeds, soil crust, lack or excess of moisture, poor soil will have a bad effect on their growth.

POPULAR TYPES AND VARIETIES OF MUSCARI

The genus Muscari includes from 40 to 44 species: scientists cannot come to a consensus about some of them, combining two species into one. All types of muscari are decorative, but in addition, many interesting varieties have been created; their flowering periods may differ slightly: some bloom in April, others in May. There are frost-resistant species and species that require warm wintering. You can buy muscari for every taste. Here are some varieties and types offered to gardeners today.

MUSCARI ARMENIAN

The most famous and long-cultivated species as an ornamental plant, which is also typical, is Muscari armeniacum - Armenian muscari. Sometimes it is called Colchian muscari - M. colchicum. The plant's homeland is Transcaucasia, Türkiye and the Balkans. There are many varieties of this species, for example:
Blue Spike– late flowering (2 weeks later than most varieties), self-sterile (does not form seeds) variety. Double blue flowers form an inflorescence similar to hyacinth, very fragrant. The inflorescence consists of 150-170 flowers. Splendor is achieved due to the branching of each peduncle. Plant height is up to 20 cm. During the season, the bulb forms up to 3 children. The Blue Spike variety was awarded the International Award in 1963.
Fantasy Creation– double flowers are green at the beginning of flowering, gradually acquiring a bright blue color, plant height up to 20 cm.
Pink Sunrise / Pink Sunrise- a new variety up to 15 cm high with a rare inflorescence color – pink.
Safer– dark blue flowers with a white border, collected in dense pyramidal inflorescences, do not form seeds. Long-lasting flowering, height - 15 cm, variety, there are awards.
Duck Eyes– a dense inflorescence of blue bell-shaped flowers, up to 20 cm high.
Azureum– the color of the flowers is sky blue, the height does not exceed 20 cm.
Superstar- numerous dark blue flowers with a white border form a long inflorescence.
Artist- an unopened inflorescence looks like a green grape cluster, the flower petals are blue with a white border along the edge, the height is no more than 15 cm. A very fragrant modern variety of Armenian muscari.
Christristmas Perl / Christmas Pearl- the variety has been awarded an international award, the flowers are violet-blue, barrel-shaped, this variety of muscari is excellent for forcing.
Peppermint t – pyramidal inflorescences of pale blue flowers with a white edge, muscari height 15 cm. A modern variety with long (up to a month) flowering in May, grows well, has an international award.

MUSCARI Botryoides / Muscari Botryoides
Among the cultivated and widespread European species Muscari botryodes - botryoid muscari, grows mainly in the alpine and subalpine mountain belts. Popular variety Album / Muscari Botryoides Album- elongated white fragrant inflorescences resemble lilies of the valley in appearance, the height of the bush is 15 cm, flowering from the end of April - an early variety.→

MUSCARI NEGLECTED / Muscari neglectum
Muscari neglectum is not inferior in breadth of distribution - the neglected / unnoticed muscari, whose range, in addition to Central Europe and the Mediterranean, includes the west and center of Asia. In Russia, in many regions it is listed in the Red Book. It has belt-shaped leaves that are different from other species, flowers similar to lily of the valley, collected in a dense brush, their color is dark blue. light along the edge

MUSCARI LARGE FRUIT / macrocarpum
View of the islands of the Aegean Sea and the adjacent coast of Turkey.
Golden Fragrance– plants of this variety do not overwinter in open ground; these muscari flowers can be grown in greenhouses or in the southern regions (open ground). The purple buds produce yellow fragrant flowers with a brown border, the plant height is up to 30 cm.

MUSCARI latifolium
Latifolium– under this name you can find bulbs on sale. The leaves are wide, reminiscent of tulips, the height of the bush is 15 cm, the inflorescences consist of lower purple, middle blue and upper blue flowers.

MUSCARI OSHE / TUBERGEN / Muscari aucheri / tubergenianum
The species is known under the synonymous names Oshe muscari and Tubergen muscari (the second is given in honor of the introducer of the genus). The homeland of the species is Iran. The inflorescences have a sweet aroma, the flowers are blue and blue in color, the height of the bush is up to 25 cm, it is advisable to mulch the plants for the winter. Gardeners have the opportunity to buy several varieties of Oshe / Tubergen muscari:
Blue Magic / Blue Magic- a modern variety, flowers are sky blue with a white tuft, fragrant. When forced, one bulb forms up to 7 peduncles. →
White Magic– a variety similar to the previous one, very popular, with snow-white flowers, semi-circular inflorescences, plant height 20 cm.
Ocean Magic- modern variety, blue inflorescence, white upper flowers.

The genus Muscari includes many endemic species, e.g. Muscari racemosum- M. racemosus, growing in the southwest of Turkey, m. light-flowered- endemic to northern Egypt, Muscari cazolanum– grows naturally only in Spain, and others. At the same time, there are muscari hybrids in culture:
Muscari hybrid Pink Sunrise– height 15 cm, flowers pale pink.
Sometimes, under the name muscari, you can buy bulbs from representatives of another genus, for example,
Crested Muscari / Muscari comosum Plumosum– double lilac flowers with graceful thin perianths located on highly branched stems, plant height up to 20 cm, at the end of flowering the inflorescence stretches up to 70 cm. This classification is outdated, now the species is assigned to the genus Leopoldiya.

Muscari (mouse hyacinth, viper's onion, cuckoo's tears) is a low (up to 30 cm) small-bulbous plant resembling a miniature hyacinth, one of the first to bloom in gardens at the end of March. The duration of flowering (up to 3 weeks) depends on the species, growing location and weather conditions. The leaves, which appear before the flowers and are relatively wide at the base, are collected in 2-6 pieces. into the ground beam. Straight peduncles are topped with small inflorescences consisting of small, round, barrel-shaped bells of white, pale yellow, blue, intense blue, lilac or violet. The fruit is an angular or spherical capsule full of black, wrinkled seeds.
Growing and reproduction. Muscari is a sun-loving crop, but can withstand light partial shade. The soil should be loose, fertile, loamy, well drained and not too wet. Before digging, it is advisable to add humus at the rate of 5 kg/m2, and in the spring, after the last snow, apply full mineral fertilizer. Plants do not like getting wet, and they need moisture only at the beginning of growth. Transplantation is carried out when the bush has grown greatly, usually after 3 years.

Like all bulbous plants, muscari can be propagated by seeds, which are sown in prepared soil immediately after harvest (plants bloom after 3 years), and by dividing the bulb nests. Immediately after digging (late August - October), the daughter bulbs are planted to a depth of 8 cm at a distance of 10 cm from each other. Cover for the winter only in the first year of planting. Mouse hyacinth looks most impressive not in sparse, but in dense plantings. It can be placed in any corner of the garden, even under fruit (but not under evergreen) trees. Plants are planted in rockeries, on ridges, in borders, rock gardens, and in groups along paths. When placed on lawns, do not trim the area until the leaves of the muscari die off.

Narcissus
Narcissus is a real decoration of the spring garden, one of the most interesting ornamental plants, the flowering of which, thanks to the correct selection of varieties and species, can last from April to early June. The flowers are erect or drooping, large, often fragrant, solitary or in racemes. Leaves are basal, linear, flat. The flowering stem, wrapped at the base in a membranous sheath, reaches a height of 30-50 cm. The fruit is a fleshy tricuspid capsule.
The genus has 60 species, most often cultivated in gardens are N. bouquet, N. poetic (white), N. false (yellow), N. angustifolia, N. cyclamenoid, etc. As a result of their hybridization, more than 15 thousand varieties have been created, differing in terms flowering, plant height, structure, shape and color of flowers. According to the international classification, daffodils are usually divided into 12 groups.

2. Large-crowned - a group that includes a wide variety of plants 30-60 cm high. The flowers are solitary, with a cup (tube over one third, but not more than the length of the perianth segments). Varieties: Ice Follis, Allafril. last from April to early June. The flowers are erect or drooping, large, often fragrant, solitary or in racemes. Leaves are basal, linear, flat. The flowering stem, wrapped at the base in a membranous sheath, reaches a height of 30-50 cm. The fruit is a fleshy tricuspid capsule.
The genus includes 60 species; N. bouquet, N. poetic (white), N. false (yellow), N. angustifolia, N. cyclamenoid are most often cultivated in gardens. As a result of their hybridization, more than 15 thousand varieties have been created, differing in flowering time, plant height, structure, shape and color of flowers. According to the international classification, daffodils are usually divided into 12 groups.
1. Tubular - plants with single fragrant flowers up to 9.5 cm in diameter, in the center there is an elongated growth in the form of a tube. Peduncle from 15 to 40 cm tall. Best varieties: Amelia Farmer, Bird of Doning, Birsheba (early), Golden Harvest (very early, with golden yellow flowers), Gin and Lime, Lorikit, Oklahoma, Prosperity, Pink Silk, Rembrandt (early, with yellow flowers). Suare, White Triumphant, White Star, Royal Scepter, Flower Carpet, Forsyth.
2. Large-crowned - a group that includes a wide variety of plants 30-60 cm high. The flowers are solitary, with a cup (tube over one third, but not more than the length of the perianth segments). Varieties: Ice Follis, Allafril. Select, Pink Fancy, Professor Einstein (late, white flowers with an orange cup), Rad Raskel, Rosie Sunrise, Salmon Trout, Siam Champagne, Smiling Maestro, Smaragd, Snowfreels, Soldier Brave, Spectacular, Tibet, Top Notch, White Pearl, White Plum, Wild Rose, Walt Disney, Fireman, Cha-lomé, Champagne Magnum, Chiffon, Erlirose.
3. Small-crowned - solitary flowers, the crown does not exceed V3 of the length of the tepals. Peduncle height 30-45 cm. Varieties: Barrett Browning (white flowers with an orange cup), Burma (medium, yellow flowers), Geneway, Queen of Narcissus, Limerick, Lusky Mile, Matapan, Merlin, Moonfire, Snow Magic, Wings of Song , First Farmer, China White, Edward Buchston (early, with yellow flowers), Angel (late, white flowers).
4. Terry - plants with flowers without a crown, but with a large number of petals. The flowers are fragrant, quite large (up to 7 cm in diameter). Height 15-45 cm. Varieties: Acropolis, Alabaster, Bridal Crown, Mushroom, Daphne, Ing-loscombe, Indian Chief, Candida, Mary Copland, Odyssey, Pink Champagne, Peach Pink, Snowball, Texas, White Lion, White Cell, Schnouball , Anchor, Apricot Sunday, Epheble.
5. Triandrus - plants with petals bent back and a cup-shaped crown. Height 15-30 cm. The best varieties: Akera, Whisper, Dream of Beauty, Ripling Waters, Thalia, Fire Cup.
6. Cyclamenoides - plants that are characterized by strongly bent back tepals and a narrow long tube. Varieties: Andalusia, Baby Doll, Lemon Silk, Much Sunshine, Tete-a-tete, Februa Gold, Februa Silver.
7. Jonquils - late flowering plants, with several small, very fragrant flowers.
The height of the peduncle is 15-45 cm, the length of the tube is equal to 2 times the length of the perianth lobes. Varieties: Bibbisoxer, Gold Chain, Nethercott, Oregon Gold, Trevian.
8. Taceta - plants with 2-12 medium-sized flowers on one peduncle, with a strong aroma. Varieties: Bella Donna, Gregford, Geranium, Rediant Jam, Scar-lit Jam.
9. Poetic - plants with fragrant single flowers with white petals and a flat, bright crown (tube) in the center of the flower. Height more than 50 cm. Varieties: Ak-tea (medium, flowers with a yellow cup). Cantabile (late, flower cup greenish).
10. Wild - natural hybrids and daffodils growing in natural conditions. About 60 species.
11. Split-crowned (orchid) - daffodils in which the crown (tube) consists of separate lobes (often corrugated), shaped like flounces, ruffles, and stars. Varieties: Ice Crystal, Arena, Baccarat, Boston Beau-ticol, Gold Collar, Golden Orchid, Canasta, Cassata, King Size, Colorange, Congress, Madama Butterfly, Mondragon, Nippon, Orangerie, Pallet, Palma Giovanni, Pomeranze, Split, Tiritomba , Tricole, Flyer, Chantarel.
12. All others - types and forms that, by their characteristics, are not included in any of the previous sections.
Growing and reproduction. It is better to plant daffodils in an open sunny or slightly shaded area, protected from strong winds. Plants can grow on all (except calcareous) soils; they require good moisture, but cannot tolerate waterlogging, so drainage is carried out in lowlands. To neutralize acidity, add 150-200 g/m2 of chalk (400-800 g/m2 of lime or 200-300 g/m2 of dolomite flour) to the soil. On rocky hills, clay is embedded into light soil.
Daffodils are propagated by seeds and vegetatively by daughter bulbs. Children are planted in September-October in soil with a high content of rotted manure and well-seasoned with complete mineral fertilizer. The planting depth is 12 cm, the distance between plants is 20 cm. Daffodils grow in one place for 4 years, after which they are replanted. Plants do not require additional watering, but during dry periods they need moisture. For the winter, it is advisable to cover with dry leaves, peat or mulch. Daffodils are combined with other early spring crops such as crocuses, forget-me-nots, and primroses. Plants look good both in group plantings and in solitary plantings - on lawns, alpine slides, ridges, as well as around ponds and decorative pools. Blooming daffodils look impressive against the background of dark spruce trees, in group plantings between trees and shrubs.

Daffodils often suffer from onion (narcissus) flies. If plants are affected, they do not bloom and die. It is quite difficult to combat the pest, so when purchasing planting material you need to carefully inspect it. Healthy bulbs are hard to the touch, without round holes, especially in the bottom area, since these are where the larvae laid by the fly can be located.

Muscari got its name from its specific smell - a strong aroma of musk. In decorative floriculture, 20 species are cultivated, of which the most popular are M. armenian (varieties Fantasy Creation - double flowers, greenish-yellow, Plumorosa - feathery pink inflorescences, Saffier - dark blue flowers with a white edge, M. azerbaijani, M. blue ( variety Album - a dwarf form with white flowers), M. racemose, M. cluster-shaped, M. sovicha, M. broadleaf. M. cluster-shaped variety Blue Spike has blue, double flowers, instead of the usual 6 petals there are more than 12 of them, the whole inflorescence is similar to a sprig of lilac.

Muscari is a perennial herbaceous plant that is ideal for spring garden decoration. Its dense blue inflorescences among bright green foliage form a continuous canopy on the still bare and black ground. Muscari belongs to the Asparagus family. It is popularly known as “viper onion” or “mouse hyacinth”. The plant is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia. Many species grow and overwinter successfully in temperate climates and colder regions. Caring for the plant is very simple. A few rules will help not only to achieve beautiful thickets, but also to choose the flowering time yourself.

Description of the plant

Muscari is a small-bulbous perennial 10-40 cm high. The underground part of its stem is an oblong bulb 3.5-5 cm long and 2-4 cm in diameter. The bulb is ovoid in shape and covered with thin white scales. A bunch of thin roots grows at its bottom.

In early spring, the plant forms a rosette of linear dark green leaves 17-20 cm long. Each bulb grows 2-6 leaves. They have a narrow linear or oval shape with a solid edge and a pointed end. There is no pattern on the surface of the sheet.

The flowering period, depending on the variety and weather conditions, begins from late March to early June. It lasts 1-2 weeks. First, a fleshy, erect peduncle grows from the center of the leaf rosette. It has a cylindrical shape and light green color. Closer to the flowers, the stem takes on a pinkish-purple hue.

The racemose inflorescence consists of many small flowers located close to each other. Its length is 7-8 cm. An individual flower with a fused-petaled corolla resembles a lily of the valley in structure. The edges of the petals of the barrel-like flowers are strongly bent and divided into 6 lobes. The color can be white, lilac, blue, indigo or violet. Sometimes there is a contrasting border along the edge. During the flowering period, most varieties emit an intense musky aroma.

The inflorescence begins to bloom from the lower flowers. On top are sterile buds designed to attract insects. Bees and butterflies use their proboscis to extract nectar from the tube and pollinate the ovary. After pollination, a fruit is formed in the form of a spherical or heart-shaped seed capsule with fleshy walls. Inside are small dark brown seeds.

Types and varieties of muscari

The Muscari genus includes 44 plant species. Some of them are widely used in landscape design and have several decorative varieties.

The most common variety among gardeners blooms large multi-flowered (up to 50 buds) inflorescences. Flowering begins in mid-May. The bright blue flowers last up to three weeks. The length of one flower is about 5 mm. A narrow white border is visible along the very edge of the petals. They exude a pleasant aroma. Varieties:

Alba - blooms snow-white flowers;
Sapphire - blooms with dark blue buds, but does not set seeds;
Blue Spike - each peduncle branches 2-3 times, so the inflorescence appears larger and more lush; it consists of 150-170 blue buds.

The plant, 15-20 cm high, is distinguished by a particularly lush inflorescence of an unusual shape. The length of the spike is 5-8 cm. Larger and brighter pedicels grow on one side of the flowers, forming a pappus on the inflorescence. All buds are colored blue-violet. Flowering begins at the end of May. Gradually the arrow grows and by the end of flowering its length reaches 70 cm.

A bulbous plant no more than 15 cm high forms a dense spike-shaped inflorescence at the end of the arrow. Small buds are painted white or pinkish and are pressed tightly against each other. Varieties:

Album – with snow-white flowers;
Carneum – pale pink flowers grow closely together in an inflorescence.

From the base of each bulb, wide leaves bloom, similar to the foliage of a tulip. They are painted in a single dark green color. Several flower stalks with small dark blue buds in the shape of a barrel may appear on one plant.

Reproduction methods

Muscari is propagated by seeds and vegetatively. There are varieties for which only one of the listed options is possible. During seed propagation, varietal characteristics are not transmitted. It should be borne in mind that after 12 months of storage, seed germination is significantly reduced. They are sown immediately in open ground, in holes 1-2 cm deep. During the winter, the seeds will undergo natural stratification and the first shoots will appear in early spring. For several months, the seedlings form a bulb and increase green mass. Flowering begins in the second or third year of life.

The easiest and most common method of propagation is to separate the babies (young bulbs). Fortunately, several of them appear in just one season. There is no need to separate the children every year. It is better to let them grow and gain strength for 3-4 years. The best time for dividing and replanting is August-September. In the south, the procedure is planned for October-November. Depending on the size of the bulbs, the planting depth is 4-6 cm.

Secrets of care

Landing. It is best to replant plants after flowering and growing season (August-October). They are distributed in groups of up to 10-15 pieces, but there should be free space between the individual bulbs. This way the flower garden will be more decorative and noticeable. Before planting, the bulbs are inspected for damage, rotten and dark areas are cut off and disinfected. First, they are pickled in a solution of Karbofos, and then dipped in a strong solution of manganese for an hour.

The planting site should be sunny or in partial shade. The soil is first dug up and large clods are broken up. Planting holes at a distance of 6-8 cm are made shallow (up to 8 cm). Small bulbs are planted in a shady place in rows in holes. First, sand is poured into the hole on top of the ground, and then the planting material is laid out strictly vertically. The bulbs are sprinkled with soil, compacted and watered well.

There is no need to dig up muscari every year. Plants winter well in temperate climates, but every 4-5 years the plantings become too thick. They need thinning and renewal of the top layer of soil.

Care. Regular care of muscari in open ground includes watering. The soil should always be slightly moist, but without stagnant water, otherwise the bulbs will rot. In the absence of precipitation, irrigation is carried out in the morning.

In early spring, plants are fertilized with compost or humus. The first feeding is carried out when sprouts appear. Repeated fertilization is planned for the budding period. While the muscari is blooming, it is enough to occasionally weed the soil near the flower bed.

Ripe seeds fall very easily onto the ground, facilitating abundant self-sowing. To prevent this, after the buds wither, the inflorescences are cut off.

Wintering. Muscari has pronounced periods of activity and rest. Already at the beginning of summer, the inflorescences dry out completely, but the leaves remain until frost. It is not recommended to cut them ahead of time, since at this time there is a supply of nutrients in the bulbs. In winter, during the dormant period, the need for watering disappears. Dry sprouts are cut off, and the surface of the soil is mulched with peat and sprinkled with dry leaves.

Forcing bulbs

You can please yourself with fragrant inflorescences at any time of the year. To do this, you need to artificially create conditions for muscari to bloom. Immediately after the foliage withers, the bulbs are dug up and dried in a cool room. They are then placed in containers with peat or sand for storage. Initially, the air temperature is maintained at +15…+17°C. After a few weeks, the bulbs are transferred to a room with a temperature of +5...+9°C for 3-4 months. You can use the vegetable compartment in the refrigerator.

Approximately 3 weeks before the expected flowering, the bulbs are planted in pots with fertile, loose soil to a depth of about 2 cm. The top should remain on the surface. Plants are transferred to a well-lit place with a temperature of about +10°C. After a couple of days, the temperature is raised to +15°C. After this, the leaves actively grow, and after 2 weeks a peduncle appears.

Uses of muscari

Mouse hyacinth is cultivated mainly for decorative purposes. They frame flower beds, paths, and are also planted in rock gardens and in front of shrubs. The rich hues of the inflorescences enrich the spring garden with pure blue, purple, pink or white tones.

Muscari looks good next to daffodils and tulips. They can also be combined with crocuses and scillas. It is definitely worth planting a large group of plants with different shades of inflorescences and flowering periods. Some varieties are suitable for growing in containers on balconies and verandas. The aroma of flowering muscari repels harmful insects, so they are often planted among other crops as a natural insecticide.

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