Grape hyacinths (Muscari) are small spring bulbs with bright blue flowers that look like a cross between a bunch of grapes and miniature hyacinths. They look good at the front of a border, naturalised in grass or in shady places such as at the edge of a woodland or under deciduous shrubs. Grape hyacinths are perennial plants that come back every year and have a tendency to self-seed, so you might find them invasive – if you’d rather keep them contained, plant them in containers.
Grape hyacinths attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, providing them with an early source of pollen and nectar after hibernation.
Where to grow grape hyacinths
For best results grow grape hyacinths in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or shade. They work well when naturalised in a lawn but also in container displays, such as a window box.
When to plant grape hyacinths
Plant grape hyacinth bulbs in autumn, as you would any spring-flowering bulb, like daffodils or alliums. If buying pots of flowering grape hyacinths in spring, you can plant these straight away.
How to plant grape hyacinths
Plant grape hyacinth bulbs in small clusters. Dig a small trench 10cm deep and toss in a handful of the tiny bulbs. The same principles apply when planting in a pot, but you can get away with planting the bulbs closer together as the display won’t be permanent.
How to care for grape hyacinths
Grape hyacinths don’t need VIP treatment and will spread quite happily once established. If you want to prevent seeds from developing, cut back flowers as soon as they have gone over. There’s no need to water or feed the bulbs.
Lift and divide established clumps to help them spread around the garden or control their spread – this can also rejuvenate old bulbs and increase flowering potential.
How to propagate grape hyacinths
Propagate grape hyacinths by division when plants are dormant in summer. Dig up a congested clump and split apart into smaller clusters and replant. You can also save seed and sow this in spring, but it’s much quicker and effective to propagate by division.
Pests and diseases
Grape hyacinths are not affected by any pest and diseases.
Advice on buying grape hyacinths
- You can buy pots of flowering grape hyacinths in spring but it’s cheaper to buy dry bulbs in autumn
- Grape hyacinths are widely available at garden centres but you’ll find a greater choice online
Where to buy grape hyacinths
Grape hyacinth varieties to grow
Muscari azureum – a Turkish variety with typical flowers in a soft sky blue. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM). Height x Spread: 5cm x 10cm
Muscari pallens – this rarely found variety has soft, translucent pale blue and white flowers. H x S: 5cm x 10cm
Muscari armeniacum – a vigorous species variety, growing to 20cm in height, with grass-like leaves and stems bearing spikes of white-tipped, deep violet-blue, egg-shaped flowers in spring. H x S: 20cm x 8cm
Muscari armeniacum ‘Blue Spike’ – has larger, double-flowered heads and looks good naturalised in grass with other spring bulbs or in containers. H x S: 20cm x 8cm
Frequently asked questions
What do you do with grape hyacinths after they flower?
There’s no need to do anything with grape hyacinths after they flower. They are spring bulbs so will die down naturally and then regrow the following spring. If you want to stop seeds from developing, remove the flowers as soon as they go over.
How toxic is grape hyacinth?
Grape hyacinth is not toxic to animals, pets or wildlife.
