Plant Guide: Muscari

 

Grape hyacinths are tough and easy to grow; flower colour ranges from light to dark blue. There are various species and varieties, including the double-flowered 'Blue Spike' and the plume-like 'Plumosum'. Muscari aucheri and M. tubergenianum are known as 'Oxford and Cambridge', because the upper flowers of the spike-shaped inflorescence are light blue while the lower ones are dark. Grape hyacinths make a beautiful contrast with other colourful spring bulbs such as tulips or ranunculus. The lightly scented flowers sit on stems 10–20 cm tall.

The best effect is achieved by planting grape hyacinths in large, loose groups: in a large garden with enough space, they can easily naturalise in grass or under deciduous trees.

GROWING CONDITIONS

Position Best in full sun or light shade, such as occurs under deciduous trees.

Location Excellent in rock gardens, at the front of a border, and very well suited to naturalising under trees; the plant can sometimes spread quite vigorously. Grape hyacinths need well-draining soil, ideally with plenty of organic matter worked in before planting.

GROWING

Planting Plant the bulbs in late summer or early autumn, about 7.5 cm deep and 10 cm apart.

Feeding Extra feeding is not usually necessary, but some fertiliser after flowering ensures good growth. Watering is generally not needed unless the weather is exceptionally dry.

Problems No real problems are known.

FLOWERING

Season The flowers appear from early to mid-spring.

Cutting Although grape hyacinths are only available as cut flowers for a very short period, they stay reasonably fresh for a while if picked once half of the flowers are open.

AFTER FLOWERING

Care Spent flower stems can be cut off if desired. The bulbs can be divided every 3–4 years in autumn, but must be replanted immediately. The foliage already appears in winter, well before the flowers.

AT A GLANCE

A pleasant, easy-to-grow small bulb with short spikes of intensely blue spring flowers.

Recommended varieties:

• Muscari armeniacum: 'Blue Spike', 'Early Giant'
• Muscari azureum: 'Album'
• Muscari comosum: 'Plumosum'