Written by Rona Wheeldon
March 22, 2017
In this month's Product Profile, we're shining the floral spotlight on muscari. These detailed, petite flowers are such a quintessential spring bloom!
And you'll find several different varieties available at New Covent Garden Flower Market at the moment, like this one referred to simply as 'Light Blue'.
Background
From the Hyacinthaceae family, the botanical name, muscari, is derived from the Greek word for musk, 'muschos', referring to their light scent being similar to musk.
Muscari have spikes of dense bell-shaped flowers, which closely resemble upturned bunches of grapes, hence their common name, grape hyacinth. Their delicate blooms come in various shades of blue, across the spectrum from light to dark. And you'll also find them in white.
As a cut flower in bunches of 50 stems and as planted bulbs in pots, they're generally available from January/February through to May/June, with British grown cut flowers being available in the spring.
Regarding individual variety names, light blue varieties include 'Carola', 'Manon' and 'Cupido', two types in the mid-blue range are 'Alida' and 'Big Smile'. And dark blue varieties include 'Joyce Spirit' and 'Marleen'. Sometimes though you'll find muscari at the market just labelled as ‘Blue’, ‘Light Blue’ or 'Muscari armeniacum'.
If you're ordering muscari and are unsure of the variety names, simply ask the traders for their advice and they'll be able to assist you.
Types
CUT FLOWERS
'Muscari armeniacum'
'Carola'
'Manon'
'Light Blue'
BULBS
'White Magic'
'Blue Magic'
Design Inspiration
Muscari look wonderful mixed in small posies and bouquets with other dainty seasonal flowers. For example, they're perfect for wedding bouquet designs, both for the bride and her bridesmaids. And they also look fabulous in low table arrangements and napkin decorations.
As planted bulbs, they look lovely in small glass jars or vases, showing their roots for a natural, rustic feel. Or alternatively, plant them in ceramic pots and cover the compost with moss.
(Source: Zita Elze)
(Source: Paul Thomas Flowers)
(Source: McQueens)
(Source: Zita Elze)
(Source: McQueens)
(Source: Catherine Muller Flower School)
(Source: McQueens)
(Source: Zita Elze)
(Source: Catherine Muller Flower School)
(Source: Hayford & Rhodes)
(Source: Swallows & Damsons)
(Source: Swallows & Damsons)
Your Designs
We'd love to see photos of arrangements that you've made using muscari from New Covent Garden Flower Market. Simply send an email to hello@cgma.co.uk, stating your company name and website address. Or if you prefer, you could post your photo on Instagram or Twitter and copy us in, by tagging @MarketFlowers. We'll then upload your photos into this section.
I hope you've enjoyed reading this month's Product Profile Report. Please do ask away below if you have any questions or would like to make any general comments. As always, we'd love to hear from you…
P.S. We're counting down the days until the opening of the new Flower Market next Monday, April 3rd! If you'd like information, simply click here.
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