Tight little spikes of grape-like blue beads carpet the ground in early spring and naturalise readily. Tough, cheap and perfect for edging, pots and underplanting.
At a glance
- Plant type: Bulb
- Mature size: 20 cm H × 10 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Grape Hyacinth
Muscari armeniacum is a fast-growing bulb in the Asparagaceae family. It reaches around 20 cm tall and 10 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Blue and purple flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Grape Hyacinth
Grape Hyacinth suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is deer-resistant and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Grape Hyacinth provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Grape Hyacinth is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Grape Hyacinth after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Grape Hyacinth in the garden
Grape Hyacinth earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, a feature or specimen planting, feeding bees and pollinators and its fragrance. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Grape Hyacinth with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Grape Hyacinth
Plant Sale lists Grape Hyacinth as bulbs. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.