Muscari Big Smile

Muscari armeniacum Big Smile, so named because of its tall stature and long clusters of small trailing flowers, shaped like bright blue, bells edged with white, is a relatively unknown, recent variety. A very pleasant muscari displaying its radiant flowers in the heart of spring carried well above its bright green linear foliage. This hardy, vigorous and prolific bulb will thrive in sunny or semi-shaded exposure and well-drained soil. As it naturalises easily, it is perfect for quickly creating beautiful blue waves in borders, rockeries, and flowering pots...

Muscari armeniacum, sometimes called Armenian grape hyacinth, is a plant of the asparagus family. This small bulbous plant is native to the mountains of southeastern Europe, Armenia, Turkey, and the Caucasus, where it endures severe frosts. 'Big Smile' is a taller form of this species, producing a cluster 15 cm (6in) high instead of the usual 10. The plant forms a basal rosette of long, very narrow, gutter-shaped, light and vibrant green leaves. It will usually flower in April, a little earlier or later depending on the exposure and climate. Each rosette produces 2 to 3 flower stalks on a mature and well-developed bulb. The 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) tall flower stalks bear countless small trailing flowers, shaped like urns, medium blue to linen blue with white at their tips. They are fragrant and tightly clustered.

While Muscari is usually a rather unassuming plant, 'Big Smile' has a unique personality that stands out in spring. It is versatile and useful in the garden or for houses without gardens. Its great resistance to cold, drought, and shade allows it to be used in many situations: in the understory, at the base of trees, along borders to emphasize the design of a path and in rockeries or Japanese-style gardens. It also grows well in pots, on a window or balcony. It is so accommodating that it forgives forgotten watering, and thrives in neglected or weekend gardens. Its blue flowers are very beautiful alongside the yellow trumpets of daffodils or the double cups of 'Foxtrot' tulips whose colour varies from pink to white throughout the day. The bulbs of Muscari armeniacum 'Big Smile' are also easy to force for beautiful winter flowers in the house.