Muscari botryoides aka Grape Hyacinth

Taxonomy

Muscari botryoides, also known as grape hyacinth, is a bulbous perennial plant native to central and south-eastern Europe. It grows in open woodland and mountain meadows and produces bright blue flowers with white lobes that are almost totally round. The lower fertile flowers point downwards while the upper, usually paler and sterile, ones point upwards. This plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant and is useful, but it may also be poisonous. While it is less invasive than other species such as M. neglectum, it is still listed as invasive in Tennessee. Common Grape Hyacinth is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering and direct light to thrive. It prefers soil that is well-draining and should be repotted when it doubles in size. Belonging to the Muscari genus, it is native to Europe.

Common names

Grape Hyacinth, Compact Grape Hyacinth, Italian Grape Hyacinth, Small Grape Hyacinth

How to care for Grape Hyacinth

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Grape Hyacinth is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

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

Grape Hyacinth requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Compact Grape Hyacinth is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Grape Hyacinth should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Grape Hyacinth’s native range is C. and S.E. Europe.


More info:
Wikipedia