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Flowers and Plants
Plant Easygoing Grape Hyacinth for Reliable Repeat Blooms
The small but sturdy grape hyacinth provides plenty of reliable early-spring color
Grape hyacinths (Muscari spp.) are truly plant-and-forget bulbs. Get them in the ground in fall, and then come spring — and for years to come — their distinctive, relatively long-lasting blooms and sweet, light fragrance will add ground-level color to your garden. They get their name from their clusters of tiny round or oblong dropping flowers that resemble grape bunches and their similarity to hyacinths, although they are not in the same genus.
They’re generally easygoing plants. While they prefer loose, somewhat sandy soil and regular water, the can handle less-than-ideal conditions once established. Blue and purple are the most commonly found colors, but you’ll also find shades of white, pink and yellow. M. latifolium, the largest of the grape hyacinths, has distinctive two-toned flowers. It’s also the latest to bloom.
They’re generally easygoing plants. While they prefer loose, somewhat sandy soil and regular water, the can handle less-than-ideal conditions once established. Blue and purple are the most commonly found colors, but you’ll also find shades of white, pink and yellow. M. latifolium, the largest of the grape hyacinths, has distinctive two-toned flowers. It’s also the latest to bloom.
Benefits and tolerances: Grape hyacinth is a reliable repeat performer, spreading easily and requiring minimal care. Some species are fragrant. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds and are deer-resistant.
Because grape hyacinths spread so easily (they’ve been called invasive by some), you’ll need to be more vigilant about keeping them under control in a more formal garden. Heirloom varieties are the most likely to spread.
Because grape hyacinths spread so easily (they’ve been called invasive by some), you’ll need to be more vigilant about keeping them under control in a more formal garden. Heirloom varieties are the most likely to spread.
‘Fire Island’ hosta is a stunning foil for blue-flowering grape hyacinth.
When to plant: Plant bulbs when they first become available in September and October. You can wait a bit longer in regions with warm-winter climates.
When to plant: Plant bulbs when they first become available in September and October. You can wait a bit longer in regions with warm-winter climates.
Blue and white grape hyacinths mingle with dramatic white ‘Thalia’ daffodils.
How to use it. Grape hyacinths look their best when allowed to spread naturally, whether in drifts or tucked in among other early-spring bloomers. They’re an ideal understory choice for perennials, shrubs and deciduous trees, providing a colorful ground cover beneath the taller plants.They also fit nicely in rock gardens.
Grape hyacinths are equally at home in containers, where you can appreciate their delicate beauty up close. Plant them as a single display or mix them with other spring bloomers.
How to use it. Grape hyacinths look their best when allowed to spread naturally, whether in drifts or tucked in among other early-spring bloomers. They’re an ideal understory choice for perennials, shrubs and deciduous trees, providing a colorful ground cover beneath the taller plants.They also fit nicely in rock gardens.
Grape hyacinths are equally at home in containers, where you can appreciate their delicate beauty up close. Plant them as a single display or mix them with other spring bloomers.
Planting notes. Grape hyacinths prefer a sunny spot with sandy soil, but they’re happy enough with any soil that’s loose and drains well, and they can handle partial shade.
Individual plants can easily get lost, so plant in groups. The general recommendation is about 20 to 25 per square foot. Rather than dig individual holes, dig out a patch about 6 inches deep, enough to allow about 2 inches of soil above the bulbs. Set the bulbs in place, flat side down and about 3 inches apart. Cover and water regularly in fall winter and spring; add mulch to protect from snow in the coldest winter climates.
Growing notes. Provide regular water from fall to spring, waiting until the soil dries out before watering again to prevent the bulbs from rotting. Cut back a bit once the flowers fade, and cut back completely when the foliage turns completely yellow. Cutting off the flower stalks once the flowers fade will help prevent them from spreading easily. Divide in the fall every three to five years if they become crowded.
Grape hyacinths fit nicely in a container filled with spring bulbs and annuals.
Growing in containers. Grape hyacinths can be grown in almost any container with good drainage. Set the bulbs 3 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Provide the same growing conditions as for bulbs in the ground. After blooming, wait until the foliage turns yellow to cut it back. Unless the bulbs become waterlogged, they should rebloom the following year.
You can also force grape hyacinths for indoor winter blooms, much like other spring bulbs, such as paperwhites and hyacinths.
More
Fall Planting Guide: Plant Bulbs Now for Spring and Summer Blooms
Why Fall Is the Best Time for Planting
Growing in containers. Grape hyacinths can be grown in almost any container with good drainage. Set the bulbs 3 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Provide the same growing conditions as for bulbs in the ground. After blooming, wait until the foliage turns yellow to cut it back. Unless the bulbs become waterlogged, they should rebloom the following year.
You can also force grape hyacinths for indoor winter blooms, much like other spring bulbs, such as paperwhites and hyacinths.
More
Fall Planting Guide: Plant Bulbs Now for Spring and Summer Blooms
Why Fall Is the Best Time for Planting
Botanical name: Muscari spp.
Common name: Grape hyacinth
Origin: Mediterranean and southwest Asia
Bloom season: Early spring
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 34 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 4 to 8; find your zone)
Mature size: Usually 6 to 8 inches tall, though some can reach 12 inches, and 3 to 8 inches wide
Water requirement: Regular from fall to spring unless covered in snow
Light requirement: Full sun; can handle partial shade
Bulb type: True bulb
Fun fact: Grape hyacinth’s narrow blue-green foliage appears in fall, although the flowers don’t show up until spring.