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Grape hyacinth: Muscari azureum

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Grape hyacinth: Muscari azureum

Every spring, this species produces 1 to 3 tight spires of fragrant, bell-like, bright-blue flowers with a stripe of darker-blue blooms from each bulb. Grape hyacinths are long-blooming, flowering for 6 weeks or more. The flowers return every year after year, and the plants will multiply over time.

Profile

Plant typebulb
Hardiness zones4 to 9
Lightfull-sun
Height3 in. to 4 in.
Soil moistureaverage
Flower colorblue
Bloom size.125 in. to .125 in.
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 will increase rapidly and seed readily.

how to sow/plant:

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

garden hint:

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 to 15 weeks, then move to warm, sunny location. When flowers appear, move to indirect light.

features:

  • Attractive Flowers
  • Attractive Foliage
  • 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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