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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