Muscari, or mouse hyacinth in the spring garden. Muscari Flowers - Exquisite Baby Viper's Onion Early Spring Flowers Bulbous Muscari

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, are often used in landscaping and decorating garden plots, and are 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, bulbous perennial flower belonged to 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 appearance resemble a bunch of grapes;
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. 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. Combining in a flowerbed different types and varieties with different flowering periods, you can achieve flowering of mouse hyacinth throughout the spring, in the very best case scenario- 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 purple, 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. With its gentle, bright, unusual appearance Flowers are pleasing 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, often used in landscape design and in 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 normal looking 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 drainage material - expanded clay - is placed first in the flower container. 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

For supporting active growth, bright and lush flowering, the plant needs feeding. In the spring, when digging, add to the soil organic fertilizers 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, weak water solution which will save the seed from 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 plantings. 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 many beneficial features 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 are pregnancy and breastfeeding, childhood, 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 bright inflorescences, a flower is planted against a 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 phlox, jaspers, astilbes, hosts.

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

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, place of cultivation 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 rock gardens, 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. By 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. The 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, Forsythe.
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 - strong aroma 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.

Summer has flown by, which means it’s time to think about spring garden decoration. "Is not it too early?" - you might think. It's time! After a long, monochrome winter, the human eye craves color diversity and finds it in the spring flowering of delicate bulbous plants, among which muscari occupy a special place. These graceful blue “mice” exude a subtle signature musky aroma, as they are popularly called – viper onion, mouse hyacinth, and even grape hyacinth. But their botanical name has remained unchanged for centuries - muscari (lat. Muscári). They paint rocky hills, edges of flower beds, borders and potted areas with rich shades of blue. Simple agricultural cultivation techniques, undemanding soil conditions and high decorative properties allow muscari to become a constant spring guest in all our gardens.

Muscari are small-bulbous plants belonging to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), although in earlier botanical reference books they were classified as hyacinths (Hyacinthaceae) or lilies (Liliaceae). In the wild they can be found in mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Crimea, and the Caucasus. Muscari belongs to the perennial ephemeroids, since after a short growing season the above-ground parts of the plant die, and the bulb, having accumulated the necessary reserve nutrients, enters a period of rest.

The height of the plants does not exceed 25 cm, the bulbs are small, ovoid, with a diameter of no more than 2 cm. The basal rosette consists of 7–9 thin, straight leaves. The bare peduncle is crowned with small flowers collected in a dense spike-shaped raceme. Muscari's blue-violet palette Lately diluted with created varieties of white, pink and pale yellow specimens.

Popular types and varieties of muscari

More than 40 types of muscari are known, and almost all of them are used in landscaping.

Varietal diversity allows you to create multi-colored clumps, extending the flowering period from April until June. We present some types of muscari that are most often used.

Armenian muscari (m.armeniacum)– a popular late-blooming species. Long flowering in May, mainly 3–4 weeks.

The most decorative varieties:

– a variety that does not form seed pods. Awarded in 1963. Double blue flowers are collected in a lush, very fragrant inflorescence, consisting of 150–170 flowers with branched pedicels. Plant height is up to 20 cm. During the season, the bulb forms up to 3 children.
– double flowers are green at the beginning of flowering, gradually acquiring a bright blue color, plant height up to 20 cm.
– pink-flowering variety up to 15 cm high.

Sapphire– dark blue flowers with a white border are collected in dense pyramidal inflorescences; they do not form seeds. Flowering is long, height is 15 cm. The variety has been repeatedly awarded.
Aes Duck– dense inflorescence of blue bells, height up to 20 cm.
Azerum– a variety of sky blue color, height up to 20 cm.
Superstar– numerous dark blue flowers with a white border form a long inflorescence. Height 25 cm.

– an unopened inflorescence resembles a green grape cluster. The flowers are variegated, blue with a white border along the edge, height no more than 15 cm. A very fragrant modern variety.
– a variety suitable for forcing, flowers are violet-blue, barrel-shaped, awarded an international award.
Peppermint– pyramidal inflorescences, pale blue with a white edge, height 15 cm. Modern variety, grows well.

Except popular type Armenian muscari and other species of this genus are widely used.

A striking representative of the European species is botryodes muscari and its popular variety with white lily-of-the-valley fragrant inflorescences that open in late April and bloom for more than 2 weeks. The height of this bush is 15 cm.

Muscari neglectum– the species is listed in the Red Book and has no varietal representatives. It differs from other species in its belt-shaped leaves and dark blue flowers with a light edge, similar in shape to lilies of the valley. Flowering in April, bush height up to 20 cm.

Large-fruited Muscari (Muscari makrokarpum)- a thermophilic species from the shores of the Aegean Sea and the adjacent coast of Turkey.

Popular variety:

Аurea Fregrans– purple unopened inflorescences turn into fragrant yellow flowers with a brown edge. Height up to 30 cm. In our latitudes it is grown only in greenhouses for forcing.

Broadleaf Muscari (Muscari latifolium)– the leaves resemble tulips. The inflorescence shows a surprisingly bright gradation from violet to sky blue. Several flower stalks can emerge from one bulb. Blooms in April, bush height 15 cm.

Muscari Oshe/Tubergenianum (Muscari aucheri/Tubergenianum)– blue and blue inflorescences have a sweet aroma, the height of the bush is up to 25 cm. Heat-loving, should be mulched for the winter.

Popular varieties:

Blue Magic– a modern fragrant variety has sky-blue flowers with a white tuft. It is very decorative - when forced, one bulb forms up to 7 peduncles. Flowering at the end of April, height 20 cm.
Magicae album– a popular white-flowering variety, ovoid inflorescences, plant height 20 cm.
Oceanus Magic– a modern two-color variety, the lower flowers are blue and the upper ones are white. Flowering late April – May. Suitable for forcing. Height 20 cm.

Agricultural technology for growing muscari

We choose a place. The main condition for planting muscari is the absence of stagnant water! Muscari grows on any soil and feels equally good in open sunny areas and in the shade, like an ephemeroid. Muscari do not need constant watering; the bulb itself already has enough moisture for the plant to live. But during a dry period or snowless winters, during a dry and windy spring, moderate watering promotes normal vegetation and the laying of a sufficient amount of nutrients for flowering.

Planting and care. The proposed planting site should be enriched with compost or complex mineral fertilizers for bulbous plants. Muscari, like all small-bulb bulbs, should be planted in groups of 10–30 pieces, planting depth no more than 7 cm. Muscari will look more beautiful in extensive plantings, so the more bulbs you plant, the brighter the effect will be.

Muscari will look more beautiful in extensive plantings.

If you doubt the accuracy of deepening the planting material, remember general rule for all bulbous plants: the planting depth should correspond to three sizes of the bulb.

The bulbs can be placed at a distance of 5 cm from each other, but for decorative purposes it is better to stick to “natural plantings”. To do this, take a handful of muscari and simply throw them on the ground, as if you were sowing grain. Bury the scattered bulbs into the soil where they fell. You will appreciate the “random effect” in subsequent years of growth of these graceful flowers.

The worst enemy of muscari is mice, for whom this plant is a favorite delicacy. To protect your plantings from mouse attacks, plant garlic, prickly rosehip branches or onions between the bulbs; its pungent smell repels rodents. In the spring, sprouted garlic can be carefully pulled out of the curtain, and the imperial hazel grouse will not spoil the overall composition.
After flowering, watering should be stopped and faded peduncle heads should be cut off to prevent self-seeding.

To protect your plantings from mouse attacks, plant garlic, thorny branches of rose hips or imperial hazel grouse bulbs between the bulbs; its pungent smell repels rodents.

How to easily propagate muscari? Muscari can grow in one place for a very long time, but to preserve its decorative properties, plantings should be thinned out once every 5 years. You can replant muscari during flowering, but then it is important to ensure the integrity of the root system without destroying the lump. The overgrown nests of bulbs dug out after flowering are disassembled into separate sections and transplanted to another place.

Sorted healthy bulbs are stored in a cool, dry room until planting time, which occurs from late September to mid-November.

Muscari also reproduce well by seeds, however, in this case they will bloom only in the third year of the growing season. Freshly harvested seeds are immediately sown in the ground or prepared containers with light, fertile soil. Seedlings can only be replanted in the spring of next year.

Untimely flowering, or how to grow muscari on a windowsill

Muscari is great for forcing. To do this, in September, the largest bulbs are placed in containers with fertile, loose soil, moistened and left to take root in a cool, shaded place, for example, on a closed loggia or in the basement. If you are a city dweller, then you can plant muscari bulbs in a pot and cover the top with opaque film or a second empty pot, then store it in the refrigerator. The formation of a flower bud occurs during the cooling period of the bulb, which averages 13–16 weeks. By this time you should add another two weeks for forcing. In this way, you can force the plant to bloom on the scheduled day.

If you want to New Year To surprise your loved ones with a bouquet of spring flowers, muscari bulbs should be planted in pots in August, left in a shaded greenhouse for rooting, and in early September transferred to the basement or put in the refrigerator. In early December, the pots can be placed on a cool windowsill.

muscari bulbs

For a gift bouquet on March 8, muscari is sent to a dark and cool place no later than November 10. They are set for forcing in early February. However, remember that watering warm water and fertilizing with mineral fertilizers accelerate the forcing process.

Using muscari in landscape design

Due to their unpretentiousness and endurance, muscari are indispensable companions in the design of spring rockeries, rock gardens, ridges, they are used as borders and dividing strips between the flowerbed and the lawn. Mouse hyacinth is planted as a free-standing monoclump, as well as in mixed plantings with other plants. They combine effectively not only with (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, hazel grouse), but also with primroses such as primroses, forget-me-nots, pansies, horned violets. In order not to lose the decorative effect of the flowerbed after the muscari has faded, it is worth planting them together with jasmine, astilbe, and ferns, which will cover the vacated spaces with their beautiful leaves.

In conclusion, a little advice. Even though November seems a long way off, oh planting material It's better to take care now. At the beginning of the seasonal sale, the varietal selection of bulbs is much wider than at a later date. Plan in advance and clear the future planting site of weeds, enrich the soil with compost, and then autumn bad weather will not be able to interfere with the timely planting of muscari. Experiment with color, purchase, in addition to the usual blue muscari,. Remember that winter is just around the corner, and you need to prepare for it mentally and physically by adding “spring” to your garden in the form of delicate bulbous flowers in the fall!

Other names for the muscari flower that can be found in reference books are mouse hyacinth or viper onion. In previous botanical classifications, this plant was classified as a member of the Liliaceae or Hyacinthaceae family. In the modern edition of KAVB, this crop is included in the Asparagus family. At the end of 2014, 44 species of this crop were officially registered; now there are more than 50 of them, and new ones are discovered every year. This is a beautiful primrose, widely used in landscape design. With the help of muscari you can create any floral composition.

They are distributed mainly in the Mediterranean, Asia Minor and Central Asia, in the Crimea and the Caucasus (here they grow everywhere - in the steppes and foothills of the Caucasus, in all regions of Transcaucasia, in the highlands of the Caucasus), and are also found in North America. All of them are decorative and are of interest for introduction into culture.

Muscari is a perennial miniature plant with a few (2-6), narrow (0.3-0.6 cm wide), short (10-16 cm long), basal linear leaves and a low leafless peduncle, 10-25 cm high, bearing inflorescence, shaped like an ear, 2-8 cm long.

Inflorescence- racemose, with densely collected, numerous (up to 70 or more), miniature flowers. The flowers are small, 0.4-0.6 cm long, 0.4 cm in diameter, with fused perianth lobes. According to the description, each muscari flower resembles a barrel. All of them are cylindrical, tubular, with or without an interception at the throat, with a color of white, yellow, blue, blue in different tones, and have a pleasant, delicate odor.

See what blooming muscari looks like in the garden:

Fetus- box. The seeds are round, black, wrinkled. The bulb is perennial, gradually growing, ovoid, 15-35 cm long and 0.8-2.5 cm in diameter.

One bulb can produce several flower stalks.

Muscari- an ephemeroid plant that vegetates in the spring, blooms in late spring - early summer and has a dormant period in summer and winter. The plants are unpretentious and winter-hardy.

14 species are used in gardening, and among them- Armenian muscari, racemose, grape-shaped, pale, broad-leaved, large-fruited.

Natural species and varieties are predominantly cultivated, but there are bred forms and numerous varieties, such as: “Early Giant” - blue flower, early variety, especially good for forcing; “Kenteb” – blue, strong-smelling, late; "Heavenly Blue" - blue, "Album" and "Perlen" - white; "Arnott" - with a pinkish tint; “Blue Spike” - pale blue, terry with a complex 2-3 branched brush; “White Beauty” – white and pink; "Fantasy Kritsion" - double with greenish-yellow flowers; "Saffir" is a dark blue flower with a white edge.

These photos show varieties of muscari flowers, the descriptions of which are given above:

How muscari is used in garden landscape design (with photo)

Muscari is used in garden landscaping as an excellent border and ground cover plant for decoration. various forms flower beds alone or in combination with other spring-flowering plants, such as tulips, daffodils, primroses.

They are excellent in landscape gardening on lawns or under trees, in outdoor containers, flowerpots, as well as in rock gardens and rock gardens. It is also noteworthy that they can be cultivated in one place for 5-6 years.

Look how beautiful muscari is in garden landscape design in these photos:

This is an excellent cut crop, which is an excellent material for creating miniature compositions. Placed in water in an arrangement, muscari retains its decorative effect for 6-10 days. To do this, it is better to cut the inflorescences when only the first flowers have opened; before arranging, they should be kept in water for 2-8 hours.

Muscari is also excellent as a forcing, potted crop. Plants bloom within 12-20 days, and the timing of winter forcing may vary.

How to grow muscari correctly

Muscari can be grown both in partial shade and in sunny places, on normal, cultivated soils, preferably neutral with a high humus content and well aerated, without stagnant water.

Bulbs are planted in the fall to a depth of 6-8 cm with a distance of 15 cm between them, and smaller ones - closer. During the growing season, plants are fertilized three times: at seedlings, then every 3 weeks. Apply a mixture of fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a ratio of 1:2:3) - 40-50 g/m2. After planting muscari, while caring for plants in open ground, they regularly loosen and control weeds, pests and diseases. The soil should be moist.

Almost all types of muscari reproduce well both by seeds and vegetatively - by bulbs and children. Seedlings bloom in the 2-3rd year. In order for the bulbs to be suitable for forcing, they, like one-year-old daughter bulbs, should be grown for 2-3 years.

These photos show the basic agricultural techniques for planting and caring for muscari in the garden:

Even with proper cultivation, muscari in open ground is susceptible to diseases and pests.

The onion root mite damages the bulbs.

Control measures. Proper crop rotation, use of healthy bulbs, watering the soil during the growing season with rogor, dressing the bulbs before planting with karbofos.

Rust. Brown pustules appear on light spots on both sides of the leaves.

Control measures. Compliance with crop rotation, use of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, spraying with Alto, Dithane M-45, Bayleton.

Penicillosis. The entire plant is affected and rots, becoming covered with a green coating. Often found during forcing.

Control measures. Dressing of TMTD bulbs, protection from mechanical damage, spraying Bordeaux mixture or its substitutes.

Sclerotinia- leaves turn yellow, bulbs rot. Grows on damp, acidic soils.

Control measures. Deep digging of the soil, liming, phyto-cleaning, spraying of plants during the growing season with foundationazole, topsin-M.

Mosaic. The muscari mosaic virus affects the virus and appears as light green stripes on the leaves.

Control measures. Phytocleaning, vector control.

Growing muscari at home

To grow muscari at home, dug up and peeled bulbs are prepared for forcing as follows. Initially, in July, they are stored at a temperature of 23 ° C, from August to mid-September - at 20 ° C, and later - at 17 ° C, later, in October or November, based on the required forcing time, the bulbs are planted in pots and stored at a temperature of 4-8°C for 12 weeks.

A month before the required flowering period (20-30 days), plants that have already taken root and are beginning to sprout are transferred to a bright room with an air temperature of 10-12 ° C; balconies and loggias are suitable for this. Flowering plants can be transferred to warmer conditions, but remember that high temperatures shorten the flowering time.

The substrate for planting and caring for muscari at home must be moisture-absorbing and breathable. When forcing, regular watering is necessary. After the leaves die, the bulbs are dug up and placed in storage.

One of the most important conditions when planting bulbs - tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, muscari, crocuses, chionodox and many others - pre-prepared soil.
Firstly, the soil must have time to settle after digging, otherwise the planting depth will be insufficient and the bulbs will be damaged or even die in a winter with little snow.

Secondly, because of fertilizers. Organic matter is added to the soil for planting bulbs ( humus is better, at the rate of 6–10 kg/sq. m) and phosphorus-potassium or complete mineral fertilizer with a low nitrogen content (total dose – 40–60 g/sq. m), and it takes some time for the soil to absorb them and for them to start “working”.

The earth is dug up to a depth of at least 30 cm so that before it freezes, the newly formed roots of the bulbous plants have time to penetrate to a depth of 20 cm. The planting depth depends on the size of the bulb itself: usually it is two or three of its own lengths.

Before planting, all bulbs must be carefully inspected; those with mechanical damage or damaged stems must be discarded. And for healthy ones, for prevention, put them in a 0.1% solution of potassium permanganate or any fungicide for 30 minutes.

The biggest mistake most gardeners make is planting all the bulbs at once. In fact, this is a step-by-step process.

The first to be planted, in late August - early September, are small-bulbous plants: scylla, muscari, pushkinia, chionodoxa, crocuses.

The planting depth of all bulbous plants (with rare exceptions) is equal to three diameters of the bulb itself (that is, with a bulb diameter of 3 cm, the optimal planting depth is 9 cm).

It also depends on the mechanical composition of the soil: on light soils they are planted somewhat deeper, on heavy soils, on the contrary, shallower.

Small-bulbous plants in one place can grow from 3-4 (crocus) to 10 years (snowdrop, spring whiteflower), so they are usually planted together with ground cover plants - periwinkle, subulate phlox, creeping tenacious, green grass - or between perennials in a mixborder. Small bulbous plants also look beautiful on the lawn. For greater decorativeness, they are planted in a bouquet manner - in groups of 5-10 pieces.

At the beginning of the second ten days of September, daffodils are planted. If you plant them later, the bulbs will not develop enough roots and will die. This is especially true for new varieties from such garden groups as split-crown, terry, tazetta, etc. Bulbs different sizes Planted separately, this way they develop better.

About a week after planting the daffodils, it’s time for hyacinths. The rules are the same for them. Only hyacinths need more fertile soil, and therefore the amount of organic matter is increased to 10–15 kg/m2.

In the last ten days of September, tulips are planted. If it is planned to replace tulips annually after flowering with annual ones, use a continuous planting method. When planting in a mixborder between perennials, the bulbs can be dug up once every 2–3 years. In this case, they are grouped in groups of 5–10 and Darwinian hybrids, simple late, simple early, Kaufmann, Greig, Foster and botanical tulips are used. Planting of tulips is completed by October 10–15.

If autumn is dry, then the plantings need to be watered. It is better to mulch daffodil bulbs planted after dry storage (without roots) with fallen leaves (layer thickness at least 10 cm); this operation will not be needed in the future (daffodils can grow in one place for 5–7 years). The only exception is split-crowned daffodils, which are mulched annually.

Photo by the Dutch Flower Council.

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