Muscari neglectum

The Muscari neglectum, also known as Grape Hyacinth or Muscari Neglectum, is a botanical species that flowers early, allowing us to enjoy it from the end of winter or the beginning of spring depending on the region. Its small clusters of tightly packed flowers, almost black at the base, medium blue at the top, often with a white edge, create a subtle two-tone effect in rockeries or lightly mown meadows where this little bulbous plant naturalises very easily, forming beautiful floral displays.

Muscari Neglectum, sometimes called Dog's Garlic, belongs to the Asparagaceae family, formerly the Hyacinthaceae family. It is native to central and western Europe (Caucasus), the Mediterranean region including North Africa, and the Middle East. In the wild, it can be found in fallow land, scrubland, dry or wet meadows, at altitudes of 1400 to 1700 metres (4593 to 5577 feet). It is a very cold-resistant plant (-20°C (-4°F)) and perfectly adapted to summer drought, thriving in well-drained soil.

Muscari neglectum is a small herbaceous perennial plant with a small ovoid bulb measuring 2 to 3 cm (1in) covered in a brown envelope. Its fine and narrow foliage, resembling that of grasses, emerges in a small upright tuft measuring 15 cm (6in) in height during winter, earlier or later depending on the region. Its semi-cylindrical, slightly trailing leaves are light green to acidic green in colour. Flowering sometimes begins as early as February, but generally in March-April in moderate climates. The powdery flowers, grouped in small oval and tightly packed clusters measuring 2 to 3 cm (1in) at the top of the stems, resemble those of the M.latifolium species. Each cluster is composed mostly of hanging sterile flowers at the bottom, topped by a crown of erect fertile flowers at the top of the spike. The sterile flowers are almost black, while the fertile flowers are medium blue. It is common for the small bell-shaped flowers, measuring 4 to 6 mm (<1in) in length, to have a fine white edge. This flowering releases a light, sweet, musky scent that somewhat resembles that of plums. It is followed by the formation of green fruits containing seeds that easily germinate in light soil. The foliage turns yellow before disappearing at the beginning of summer, during its dormant period.

Plant Muscari Neglectum in groups of about ten bulbs, as a floral carpet or along a pathway to achieve a good decorative effect, or naturalise them randomly in a lawn that you won't mow too early in the season or too short. It can be associated with early flowering wild crocuses, snowdrops, or sweet violets, or liverworts in partial shade.