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Grape Hyacinth: Fragrant Early Spring Blue Spikes for Naturalizing

Muscari armeniacum (Grape Hyacinth)

Grape hyacinths are hardy, easy to grow, and have long-lasting blooms—no garden should be without them. Particularly spectacular when allowed to naturalize under trees, along pathways, tucked into ground covers, or in beds.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Fragrant. Good early color. Can be forced. Adaptable to various growing conditions, but must have well-drained soil.

Growing Conditions & Care

Plant in full sun in moist, rich, well-drained soil.

Propagation

Divide when dormant; remove offsets in summer; sow seeds in containers in a cold frame in fall.

Common Problems

Generally problem free but prone to viruses.

Quick Reference

Height: 6–12 in.
Spread: 6–12 in.
Growth Habit: Clumps
Growth Pace: Moderate
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Bloom Time: Early Spring, Late Spring, Spring
Flower Color: Blue
Uses: Beds and Borders, Container, Indoor Plant, Naturalizing
Style: Cottage Garden, Woodland Garden, Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest: Spring
Tolerance: Deer Tolerant
Type: Bulbs

Other: Planting a School Year-Round Garden in Connecticut: Garlic for Spring Harvest; Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha): Vigorous Yellow Flowers for Southern Gardens; Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart): Classic Arching Hearts for Spring; Blue Spike Grape Hyacinth: Double Flax-Blue Heads for Longer Bloom; Fantasy Creation Grape Hyacinth: Broccoli-Like Pyramidal Blooms Turn Green to Gold; Saffier Grape Hyacinth: Month-Long Blooms with Green Lips; Azure Grape Hyacinth: Early Sky-Blue Frilled Bells that Self-Sow; Feather Hyacinth: Red-Violet Plumes for Cut Flowers; Paradox Grape Hyacinth: 12-Inch Conical Blue-Black Blooms; Polemonium caeruleum: Jacob's Ladder for Shade Borders

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