Grape Hyacinths (Muscari)

These small spring bloomers produce dense flower clusters in April in blue, white, pink or two-tone, such as the pale blue 'Valerie Finnis'. Muscari are reliably hardy in Switzerland, easy to care for and an early source of food for bees. The bulbs are planted in autumn from September to November.

Buy Muscari: species and varieties of grape hyacinth

The grape hyacinth (Muscari) belongs to the asparagus family and is only distantly related to the hyacinth. Its bell-shaped flowers sit tightly packed in small clusters on stems 10 to 20 cm tall. The best-known groups:

• Muscari armeniacum: the classic, deep blue grape hyacinth. It multiplies well and forms large carpets over the years, for example 'Armeniacum' or 'Blue Spike' with double flowers.
• Pale and white varieties: 'Valerie Finnis' in soft pale blue, 'White Pearl' or 'Siberian Tiger' in white.
• Two-tone Muscari: 'Latifolium' with dark violet and light blue flowers on one spike, 'Dark Eyes' with a white rim.
• Unusual forms: 'Pink Sunrise' in pink, or the tassel hyacinth 'Comosum' with a violet tuft.

Planting time and position in Switzerland

Plant Muscari bulbs from September to November; on the Swiss Plateau you can continue until the ground freezes. They are hardy to well below minus 20 °C and also thrive at higher altitudes. They flower best in sun or light partial shade, for example under deciduous trees and shrubs that are still nearly bare in April. The soil should be free-draining; ordinary garden soil is sufficient. The bulbs do not tolerate waterlogging.

Planting and care

• Planting depth: about 8 cm, roughly twice as deep as the bulb is tall.
• Spacing: 5 to 8 cm. Muscari only really make an impact in larger groups of about 25 bulbs or more.
• Watering: water once after planting; after that, natural rainfall is usually enough.
• After flowering: leave the foliage until it turns yellow so that the bulb can build up strength.

Many varieties produce leaves in autumn. This is normal and does not harm flowering in spring. Muscari can spread by offsets and seed. If you do not want this, cut off the seed heads. All parts of the plant are considered mildly poisonous.

Combining and uses

Grape hyacinths are ideal for border edges, rock gardens and naturalising in lawns. A popular sight is ribbons of blue Muscari between yellow daffodils or under early tulips. In pots and window boxes they combine well with violas and crocuses. The flowers are readily visited by wild bees, honeybees and bumblebees.