Muscari - Grape Hyacinth

Family: Hyacinthaceae

Common Name(s): Grape Hyacinths

Native to: Eurasia

Flowering: Late Summer to early Autumn

Watering: Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth.

Planting Aspect: Full Sun, Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Grassland

Description

Muscari resemble little bunches of grapes, hence the common name "Grape Hyacinth" covering many of its varieties. A delightful little flowering bulb ideally suited to garden borders, rockeries and container growing. The flowers are carried on simple, leafless stems to a height of 10 to 20cm in crowded scapes above clusters of low growing strap like leaves. They will flower for an extended period in spring. Easy to plant and grow, they multiply readily and put on a lightly fragrant, magnificent low display that is repeatable season after season.

Cultivation

Muscari grow well in full sun or dappled shade and are very tolerant of cold growing environments in temperate to cool areas and are quite frost hardy. They can be grown in warm areas but need to be protected from hot sun. Plants the bulbs 10 to 12cm apart and 5 to 8cm deep in rich, free draining soil that has had an addition of complete bulb fertilizer mixed through it. Early in spring when the bulbs are actively growing, top dress with some bone meal or blood and bone. If grown in areas with very little winter rainfall, an occasional watering is beneficial; however Muscari should be kept on the dry side while they are dormant in the summer to protect them from fungal attack. No particular pests or diseases.