{"product_id":"muscari-armeniacum-valerie-finnis-bulbs","title":"Muscari armeniacum 'Valerie Finnis' Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMuscari armeniacum 'Valerie Finnis'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a particularly beautiful grape hyacinth producing dense spikes of \u003cstrong\u003esoft, powdery pale blue flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e in early spring. Its unusually delicate colouring makes it stand apart from the deeper cobalt and violet shades more commonly associated with Muscari.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlowering during March and April and growing to around 15cm tall, 'Valerie Finnis' is an excellent bulb for spring borders, rock gardens, containers and naturalistic planting. Planting several bulbs together creates the best effect, and established groups can gradually increase to produce increasingly generous displays each spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eMuscari armeniacum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Valerie Finnis'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grape Hyacinth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy bulbous perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pale powder blue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e March-April\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 15cm (6in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 5-10cm per bulb, gradually forming wider clumps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun or partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borders, rock gardens, pots, containers and naturalising\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Muscari 'Valerie Finnis'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Valerie Finnis' is one of the most distinctive grape hyacinths, valued for the cool, silvery-blue colouring of its flowers. Each upright spike is densely packed with small, rounded, bell-shaped blooms, creating the characteristic grape-like appearance that gives Muscari their common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers emerge above narrow green leaves and have a beautifully soft tone that works especially well in pastel planting schemes. Compared with darker blue Muscari varieties, 'Valerie Finnis' has a lighter, almost icy quality that makes it particularly attractive in early spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eEarly Spring Flowers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFlowering during \u003cstrong\u003eMarch and April\u003c\/strong\u003e, 'Valerie Finnis' provides colour at a time when many herbaceous garden plants are only just beginning to emerge. The compact spikes are particularly effective planted in groups, where their pale blue colouring creates a gentle carpet of spring flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey combine beautifully with dwarf narcissi, tulips, crocuses, hyacinths and other early bulbs. White and yellow flowers provide particularly attractive companions for the soft blue tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Muscari 'Valerie Finnis'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrow in \u003cstrong\u003efull sun or partial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e in fertile soil with good drainage. Muscari are adaptable bulbs and are equally useful at the front of mixed borders, beneath deciduous shrubs, through gravel gardens or in rockeries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey can also be planted beneath deciduous trees where they receive plenty of light during their spring growing season before the overhead canopy develops fully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Muscari Bulbs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the bulbs in autumn approximately \u003cstrong\u003e8-10cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e and around 5-10cm apart, with the pointed end facing upwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the strongest display, plant in informal groups or drifts rather than spacing individual bulbs widely apart. In containers, the bulbs can be planted somewhat closer together to create a dense spring display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Muscari 'Valerie Finnis' in Pots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe compact 15cm height makes 'Valerie Finnis' ideal for pots, window boxes and mixed spring containers. Use a good-quality, free-draining compost and ensure the container has adequate drainage holes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral bulbs planted together can create an impressive display on patios, near entrances or on outdoor tables where the subtle colouring can be appreciated at close range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeight and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMuscari armeniacum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Valerie Finnis' grows to approximately \u003cstrong\u003e15cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e. An individual bulb occupies around \u003cstrong\u003e5-10cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, but established bulbs can gradually multiply and develop into much wider clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNaturalising and Aftercare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMuscari are excellent bulbs for naturalising. Once established in suitable conditions, bulbs can multiply underground and gradually produce increasingly large groups of flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter flowering, leave the foliage in place until it has yellowed and died back naturally. The leaves continue feeding the bulb and storing energy for the following year's display. Avoid cutting healthy green foliage immediately after flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWildlife Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe early spring flowers can provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects active during mild weather. Planting Muscari alongside other early-flowering bulbs helps provide a longer succession of spring flowers for garden wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Muscari 'Valerie Finnis'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautiful pale powder-blue flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive softer colour than traditional grape hyacinths\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers during March and April\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact height of approximately 15cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for spring containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for rock gardens and border fronts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for sun or partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan gradually naturalise into larger clumps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairs beautifully with narcissi, tulips and other spring bulbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUseful early flowers for pollinating insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Muscari 'Valerie Finnis' flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt normally flowers during March and April.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Muscari 'Valerie Finnis' grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlants reach approximately 15cm (6in) tall when flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the spread of 'Valerie Finnis'?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAllow approximately 5-10cm for each bulb. Established bulbs can multiply and gradually form much broader clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat colour are the flowers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe flowers are a distinctive soft, pale powder blue, considerably lighter than many traditional grape hyacinths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Muscari 'Valerie Finnis' be grown in pots?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Its compact habit makes it excellent for pots, window boxes and mixed spring containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Muscari 'Valerie Finnis' naturalise?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. In suitable conditions the bulbs can increase over time and develop into attractive colonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I remove the leaves after flowering?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally so that it can continue feeding the bulbs for the following year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003ebeautiful pale blue flower spikes, compact habit and ability to naturalise\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMuscari armeniacum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Valerie Finnis' is an excellent choice for adding soft colour to borders, pots and rock gardens each spring.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373056348547,"sku":"JA-M7880x10","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Bulbs","offer_id":62373056381315,"sku":"JA-M7880x100","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000 Bulbs","offer_id":62373056414083,"sku":"JA-M7880x1000","price":159.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/M7880_Muscari_armeniacum_Valerie_Finnis.webp?v=1790155170","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/muscari-armeniacum-valerie-finnis-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}