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Grape hyacinth: Muscari armeniacum Cantab

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Grape hyacinth: Muscari armeniacum Cantab

Just after most other grape hyacinths have finished their spring show, this Armenian cultivar produces 1?3 tight spires of fragrant, bell-like, sky-blue flowers often tipped in white. Grape hyacinths are long-blooming bulbs, flowering for 6 weeks or more. The flowers return year after year, and the plants multiply over time.

Profile

Plant typebulb
Hardiness zones4 to 9
Lightfull-sun
Height5 in. to 6 in.
Habitupright
Soil moistureaverage
Bloom timespring
Flower colorblue
Foliage colormedium-green

did you know?

is commonly known as grape hyacinth because its flowers resemble both hyacinths and tiny bunches of grapes; its fragrance, however, is candy sweet.

general maintenance:

After bloom, allow foliage to die back naturally. Bulbs increase rapidly.

pests/diseases:

Grape hyacinth are relatively carefree.

how to sow/plant:

Plant in early fall, 6 weeks before ground freezes. Set bulbs 3?5 inches deep and 3?5 inches apart in well-drained soil. Unless soil is very dry, there is no need to water after planting.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. In early spring and again after flowers fade, feed with an all-purpose bulb fertilizer, following label directions.

garden hint:

Grape hyacinth foliage emerges in fall; don't cut it back, because the bulbs need the energy produced by the leaves to bloom in spring. Instead, gently rake the foliage with a bamboo rake, so all the leaves lie in the same direction. To force, pot bulbs with tops 1/2 inch below rim; bulbs should be nearly touching for full display. Cover with potting soil, and water well. Place in cold frame or refrigerator for 13?15 weeks, then move to warm, sunny location. When flowers appear, move to indirect light.

features:

  • Attractive Flowers
  • Attractive Foliage
  • Deer Resistant
  • Disease Resistant
  • Fragrant

garden uses:

  • Flowerbed borders
  • Forcing
  • Naturalizing
  • Rock Garden
  • Shade Woodland Garden

other uses:

  • Cut Flower

combine with:

spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips

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