Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Grape Hyacinth Plant Profile

Grape Hyacinth Plant Profile

Grape hyacinths (Muscari spp.) are among the first flower bulbs to bloom in the spring. They remain attractive for a long period of time in the garden. They are beneficial to many early bees and other pollinators.

The tight grouping of small, bell-shaped flowers held at the top of a long, thin stem resembles a cluster of miniature grapes -- giving them their common name. The flowers are usually in shades of blue, although some are purple, pink, or white. They can also bloom in two colors with the margins of the flowers often having a pretty white edging.

Grape Hyacinths are native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. There are about 40 different varieties. They can tolerate spring frosts and are very easy to grow.

Plant the Muscari bulbs in the mid to late fall before the ground freezes. The bulbs are small enough to go in the same planting holes with larger spring-blooming bulbs such as Tulips and Daffodils to make attractive combinations in both containers and in planting beds.

They usually grow to a height of 4 to 8 inches. They look especially good planted in groupings of a dozen or more placed closely together. Don’t hesitate to pluck a few to place in a vase as they make great cut flowers too.

Unlike most other spring-blooming bulbs, the foliage emerges in the fall and stays up all winter into spring. The Muscari bulbs multiply over the years, so you can dig and divide them either in the spring after the flowers have died back or in the fall once the foliage is fully up.

You can also buy Grape Hyacinths as pre-forced bulbs in pots in the spring. Enjoy them indoors or plant them in the garden for instant gratification.

Grape Hyacinth: You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine as part of our Plant Profile series for Mid-Atlantic USA gardeners.

Video and editing by Jessica Harden

Audio and text by Kathy Jentz

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