A perfect combination of blue Muscari ‘Horizon’ with the contrasting soft yellow of Tulip ‘Secret Perfume’, this duo made a fabulous splash at the famous Keukenhof gardens in Holland.
Tulip ‘Secret Perfume’ is a peony-flowered tulip with voluptuous, rounded golden blooms and a surprisingly good perfume. Tulips aren’t normally noted for their scent but this one certainly breaks that mould! It makes a wonderful cut flower too – perfect for filling your home with a gentle fragrance and a bright splash of spring colour. Height: 50cm (20in). Spread: 10cm (4in).
Muscari ‘Horizon’ produces densely packed spikes of tiny deep blue flowers from April to May. Easy to grow, this charming spring bulb quickly naturalises to form dense carpets of colour and will return year after year with no maintenance. Height: 20cm (8in). Spread: 10cm (4in).
Growing Information
Plant tulip bulbs in late summer or autumn. Tulips will grow well in any moist, well drained soil, except for particularly wet soils. Choose a sunny position that is sheltered from strong winds. When planting tulip bulbs avoid shallow planting as this may reduce the winter cold period that is essential for tulip bulbs to produce flowers in spring. Plant them at a depth of 15cm (6″) and at a distance of 13cm (5″) apart.
For the best effect, plant muscari bulbs in large groups. Grape hyacinth plants prefer a sunny or semi-shaded position in moist, well drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Add plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost to the soil prior to planting to improve less than ideal soils. Plant bulbs at a depth of 10cm (4″) and a distance of 5cm (2″) apart.
