Grape hyacinth, also known as muscari, is a small bulb with tight clusters of blue flowers that resemble grapes, and it is also available in colors like white, pink, lavender, or yellow. Grape hyacinth grows best when planted in the fall in a location with full sun or partial shade, offering beautiful spring blooms that grow slowly and emerge with flowers in April or May that last for up to four weeks. Many varieties of grape hyacinths display the rare crystal blue color that many gardeners covet, but they have none of the fussiness that some other blue flowers possess.
Common Name | Grape hyacinth, muscari, bluebells |
Botanical Name | Muscari armeniacum |
Family | Liliaceae |
Plant Type | Bulb |
Mature Size | 6–9 in. tall, 3–6 in. wide |
Sun Exposure | Full, Partial |
Soil Type | Moist but well-drained |
Soil pH | Neutral, Acidic |
Bloom Time | Spring |
Flower Color | Blue, White, Purple, Pink, Yellow |
Hardiness Zones | 4–8 (USDA) |
Native Area | Europe, Asia |
Grape Hyacinth Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing grape hyacinth:
- Plant grape hyacinth in the fall in an area with full to partial sunlight and neutral to acidic soil.
- Water the plant when the soil dries out, but avoid overwatering, which can cause bulb rot.
- After the plant is done flowering in spring, remove the circular green seed pods that develop to encourage more flowers next year.
- Shear the plant’s foliage when it begins to yellow and go dormant in summer.
- Once grass-like foliage grows in late summer or early fall, leave the foliage in place until spring. This foliage helps nourish the plant.
- Fertilize the plant in fall with 1/4 cup of bone meal per 100 square feet of soil.