Muscari Valerie Finnis (20)

Named in honour of the celebrated British plantswoman, Muscari 'Valerie Finnis' offers a colour unlike any other grape hyacinth — a soft, ethereal powder blue, quite different from the deep cobalt of the more familiar varieties. Compact, densely packed spikes of small, bell-shaped flowers carry a gentle, sweet fragrance, appearing above attractive silvery-green foliage.

Reaching 15–20cm, Valerie Finnis is beautifully weatherproof and naturalises readily without becoming invasive, multiplying gently year after year. Its pale colouring makes it a particularly lovely companion for white or apricot tulips and narcissi, and it looks wonderful drifted beneath deciduous trees or edging a shaded border.

Plant bulbs in autumn, 7–10cm deep and 5–7cm apart, in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

Available from Pengelly Garden Centre.