Blue grape hyacinths brighten up the garden
Blue grape hyacinths brighten up the garden
Blue grape hyacinths, also known as Muscari, are one of the first bulbs to bloom in spring. They brighten up the garden after the harsh season.
Chic name
Blue grape hyacinths is an appropriate name. They are called that because the flower resembles a small bunch of blue grapes. The elegant beauties symbolize humility and modesty, as you have to kneel down to admire them up close. Officially, they carry the chic Latin name Muscari. That name is derived from the word 'musk' due to the musky scent that some species emit.
Popular
Originally, blue grape hyacinths come from the Mediterranean region, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. There are about forty different species. The small bell-shaped flowers are compactly clustered and are usually blue in color. Often, beautiful white edges are drawn on the flower margins. Did you know that blue grape hyacinths have been available since 1596? Back then, they cost about 4.50 euros per bulb when adjusted for inflation.
Bee magnet
The most well-known species is Muscari armeniacum. The strength of Muscari armeniacum is that the plant remains beautiful for a long time. Additionally, the flowers attract many bees. Good for biodiversity, then. Contrary to what the name suggests, blue grape hyacinths are not always blue. There are also purple, pink, and white varieties, and even bi-colored types. And did you know that some even bear double flowers?
Friend of all
Blue grape hyacinths are frost-resistant and also easy to grow. This makes blue grape hyacinths suitable for any garden. The plant grows between 10 and 25 centimeters tall, and from each bulb, multiple 'bunches' of flowers grow. Do you want to enjoy blue grape hyacinths in spring as well? Then plant them in the fall between October and December, before the first frost.
Assortment
The time when there were only the classic blue grape hyacinths (Muscari Armeniacum) is long gone. Nowadays, we have at least 5 varieties in our assortment, including the double Muscari Blue Spike, the white White Magic, and the wonderfully beautiful Valerie Finnis with subtle pastel blue flowers, which is a unique color that is not often found among the Muscari. Sometimes, the yellow Muscari macrocarpum Golden Fragrance is also available in very limited quantities. This has fragrant clusters of yellow tubular flowers that are light purple at the top.
Tips
- Do you love a striking amount of color in your garden? Then plant groups of at least 25 blue grape hyacinths close together. It will be a delight in spring!
- Do you not have a garden, but have a terrace or balcony? You can also enjoy blue grape hyacinths then. They thrive well in pots and bring a lot of color in spring. Muscari armeniacum is most commonly used here.
- Are your fingers a little less "green," or do you just love quick results? Then buy blue grape hyacinths as bulbs-in-pot in spring. These can be found ready-to-go at the garden center or market. Place them in a beautiful pot or plant them in the garden, and you will have immediate results.