Muscari  is another favorite spring flower! Here in Portland,OR these small  bulbs bloom in  late winter/early spring. The last few years, as the temperatures are a lot milder than they used to be, the foliage starts sprouting in December; today I already noticed some tiny flower heads!

They grow well in average soil with good drainage and can be planted in partial shade or full sun. Muscari are very frost tolerant; most varieties are hardy to -25 F (-32C), but cold tolerance varies with species. The colors vary from pale to deep blue; some varieties are white or pale pink. They grow 6-9″ tall and the bulbs multiply readily. They look best planted en masse or you can plant them in pots, combined with other delicate flowers or by themselves. Another bonus is that deer and rodents rarely bother them.

Muscari in the garden a couple of years ago.

Photo: Theresa Bear

Like other spring bulbs, muscari use their foliage to produce energy for next year’s flowers. Once the flowers have passed their prime, allow the foliage to continue growing until it yellows. In most cases, the foliage will just fade away. If not, yellowed foliage can usually be removed with a gentle tug.

I love using muscari in design. They are perfect in woodland arrangements and they make wonderful small posies! As they do well without a water source for 1-2 days, they are a good choice for corsages, boutonniers and jewelry.

photo: Françoise Weeks

photo: Ted Mishima

photo: Gwen Severson

photo: Françoise Weeks

photo: Erica Ann

photo: Theresa Bear

photo: Andie Petcus