Muscari armeniacum aka Grape Hyacinth
Taxonomy
Muscari armeniacum, also known as Armenian grape hyacinth or garden grape-hyacinth, is a compact, clump-forming, bulbous perennial. Native to the Eastern Mediterranean, from Greece and Turkey to the Caucasus, including Armenia, this plant belongs to the asparagus family Asparagaceae. It features basal, simple leaves and short flowering stems that reach a height of about 15 centimeters. Blooming in mid-spring for 3-4 weeks, the flowers of M. armeniacum can be purple, blue (with a white fringe), white (cv. 'Album'), or pale pink (cv. 'Pink Sunrise'). Some selections of this species are fragrant. The plant is commonly found in woods and meadows. Muscari, the genus to which M. armeniacum belongs, is native to Eurasia and produces clusters of dense, urn-shaped flowers that resemble grapes. Despite being previously categorized in the Liliaceae family, it is now considered part of the Asparagaceae family. Grape hyacinths, as they are commonly known, are small spring-blooming bulbs that add beauty to the garden with their vibrant blooms. With minimal care, these little workhorses can light up the early spring flower garden for years.
Common names
Grape Hyacinth, Armenian Grape Hyacinth, Garden Grape HyacinthHow to care for Grape Hyacinth
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Grape Hyacinth, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Grape Hyacinth should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Grape Hyacinth loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Grape Hyacinth prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Grape Hyacinth plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Grape Hyacinth is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Fertilizer
Once the Grape Hyacinth has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Grape Hyacinth as it grows vertically.
More info:
Wikipedia
