The Muscari armeniacum is native to Turkey and the Caucasus (Armenia) and is commonly named grape hyacinth. The grape hyacinth is a genus from the Asparagaceae family.
The word muscari comes from the Greek word moschos or the Latin word moschus which means musk and refers to the musky scent of the flower that some species have.
The Muscari armeniacum is easily mistaken for Muscari botroides. The bulb of the Muscari armeniacum produces 3 to 5 leaves and the Muscari botroides usually produces 2 to 3. The leaves of the Muscari armeniacum are much longer and threadlike, often twisting, floppy and tapered at the top. You can also see a small difference in the flowers. The opened flowers of the Muscari armeniacum are more oblong than those of the Muscari botroides, which are practically round. The flowers also differ in colour. The Muscari botryoides has blue flowers and those of the Muscari armeniacum are more purple.
The Muscari armeniacum is much more common in gardens and reproduces easily by division and self-seeding. It can become invasive and persistent.
Do not cut away the leaves after bloom until they turn yellow. The grape hyacinth needs those to collect enough energy into the bulb for blooming next year. The new eaves appear in August/September and remain green throughout the winter.
The bulbs can be planted from September to November at about 3 inches deep (twice the bulb size).
Attracts bees: yes
Characteristic: newly emerging every year
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower colour: blue
Flowering time: April – May
Foliage colour: green
Fragrant flower: yes
Hardiness: -30 ºC (-22 ºF)
Height: 8 inches (20 cm)
Soil: normal