|
|
Visit Our Garden Catalog Spring Flowering Bulbs and More! Home Sitemap Site Index Contact About Us Back To Spring Bulbs Abes Beer Garden Visit our garden blog for the latest gardening information. |
Grape HyacinthMuscari szovitsianum Family Liliaceae - Lily Grape Hyacinth is one of the more popular flowering spring bulbs which has become naturalized in many areas here in Indiana. Old home sites in which the house and all buildings have disappeared still sport the cobalt blue hyacinth flowers each spring. The bulbs spread by offshoots and reseeding themselves. Originating in the Northern Persia and Caucasius, they have now been planted extensively in Europe, North America and other regions. The name Muscari is Greek for "musky" and refers to the musky smell which some species have. Others are sweet scented. Grape hyacinth requires little care. They will pretty much fend for themselves once planted. The flowers and leaves grow about six to ten inches tall. To propagate, dig the bulbs in early summer after the top growth has died down. Dry them in an airy location, out of direct sun. Store the bulbs in a mesh bag until fall, then plant. In my garden here in southeastern Indiana the Grape Hyacinth fills a valuable spot, blooming just after the Daffodils and before much else starts. There would be little else blooming in the perennial garden if not for these pretty spring flowering bulbs. Once the hyacinth finishes up, the main perennial show is ready to start with columbines, hardy geraniums and much more firing up. |
