The Joyce Spirit is not just any old grape hyacinth. It is a darker blue than the common Muscari armeniacum, with the added detail of a delicate white edge along the top of each flower. That edge is small – you only notice it if you look closely – but it gives the flower a refined and distinctive character. A bit like a well-tailored jacket: it’s the details that make all the difference.
Ideal as an underplant for tulips
Joyce Spirit flowers in April and May, just when most tulips are in full bloom. This makes it an excellent underplant: dark blue beneath red, orange or white tulips creates a colour contrast that instantly brings the border to life. It also works well in a pot – a layer of Joyce Spirit on top of tulip bulbs produces a compact and professional-looking result.
Planting and naturalisation
Plant the bulbs in autumn at a depth of 8–10 cm, in groups of at least ten for the best effect. They grow in sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Once planted, Joyce Spirit naturalises of its own accord – it returns every year and spreads slowly. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally before removing it. Organically grown, certified NL-BIO-01.