Species grape hyacinth
Muscari armeniacum; clusters of small, velvety, blue flowers in spike-shape with slender green stems and grass-like, green leaves

grape hyacinth

Muscari armeniacum

Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) is a bulbous perennial with short, narrow leaves and clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers growing on a stem, in shades of blue and purple. It is an easy-to-care-for plant, naturalizing readily in most soils, and blooms in spring and early summer. Its flowers are popular for cutting and often used in bouquets. It also attracts pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. The attractive foliage remains until the first hard frost, adding visual interest to the garden. Grow in border fronts, rock gardens, or containers for maximum impact.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Royal blue with a thin white rim on each bell Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Spring Ready In Spring

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Grape Hyacinths need to be watered deeply once a week, or more often in hot and dry weather. Water thoroughly around the base of the plant until the soil is completely saturated. Avoid wetting the foliage as this can cause it to become damaged or moldy. When the top 2 inches of soil are dry, it is time to water again. Fertilize Grape Hyacinths in early spring with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.

sunlight

Grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) require at least 4-5 hours of direct sun per day in order to thrive. They are happiest when planted in areas with bright or indirect sunlight during the morning and mid-afternoon hours for best growth and flowering. In areas with mild winters and warm summers, the plants can benefit from 6-8 hours of direct sun per day. When grown in overly shady and moist areas, the plants may struggle to flower and produce small, pale blooms.

pruning

Grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) are low-maintenance perennials that require minimal pruning for optimal health and bloom performance. Prune grape hyacinths before growth begins in spring, usually in late March or early April. First, remove any dead or damaged foliage or blooms from the previous season. Next, thin out any overcrowded clumps to prevent weak and spindly growth. Lastly, remove all excess foliage that is shaded or does not allow optimal growth. Pruning should only take a few minutes and the plants should not require any significant trimming over the course of the growing season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Grape hyacinths typically start flowering in March or April.

Harvest Fruit

The Muscari armeniacum, or grape hyacinth, typically blooms in the spring months of April and May.

Hardiness Map