Plant during the recommended period shown in the variety’s specifications. If you cannot plant straight away, store them somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
'Alaska'
grape hyacinth
Seeming to condense snowy mountain peaks and pristine wilderness into miniature form, Muscari 'Alaska' is a delightful and relatively new grape hyacinth variety. Snowy-white clusters of tiny flowers form an unusual pyramidal shape, like a hillock capped with closed buds in soft green, which gradually open from the bottom up. Some of the flowers of 'Alaska' grape hyacinths are enticingly dusted with powder blue, creating an exquisite effect that is as soft and subtle as a watercolour.
You will want to appreciate the delicacy Muscari 'Alaska' up close, so this would make a perfect choice for a collection of pots displayed on a table or in a greenhouse. With its soft three tone colouring of white, green and blue, it will combine nicely with other varieties of grape hyacinth, especially blue and white-flowered ones. Muscari 'Alaska' are also a great choice for the wildlife-friendly garden, as these tiny flowers are rich in nectar, and attract the delightful bee fly, a cute and fuzzy little pollinator that hovers over the flowers with its extra-long tongue. You can plant grape hyacinths out in the garden in free-draining soil, where it will look especially good near path edges or at the front of borders, perhaps in combination with miniature narcissi or small botanical tulips.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check whether your varieties prefer sun or shade, then choose a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Most spring bulbs also grow well in containers.
Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil. Improve heavy ground with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost and ensure good drainage.
Plant at the depth recommended for each variety, as their requirements differ. Position shoots or pointed ends upwards. If the correct direction is unclear, plant them on their sides.
Follow the recommended spacing for each variety. Planting in clusters or informal drifts creates a natural display, but avoid placing them directly against one another.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Keep containers lightly moist but never waterlogged. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing it.
- Botanical name
- Muscari 'Alaska'®
- Flower colour
- Blue, white
- Bulb size
- 10/+
- Established height
- 10-20cm
- Established spread
- 5-10cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 150 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost
Clay - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Ground cover
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Rockery
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade
Full shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.