When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Grape hyacinths rise in early spring with sweet little clusters of purple and sometimes white flowers. They are prolific bloomers which naturalize easily and arrive year after year. The plants can get out of hand over time and removal is a process that requires persistence. Fear not. There is a method and a plan for removing grape hyacinths.
Grape hyacinth produces numerous seeds once the blooms are spent and bulbets are formed off the parent bulbs for future flowers. This allows grape hyacinth plants to spread rapidly and sometimes out of control. Grape hyacinth weeds infest untilled fields and garden beds alike and may rely upon sequential grape hyacinth control for complete removal.
Most grape hyacinth bulbs are planted on purpose with the intention of brightening up the front path or spring flower bed, but the ease with which this plant reproduces can make it a real nuisance in some instances and its invasive abilities are a threat to crop land.
Grape hyacinth control will necessitate the removal of seed heads before they produce viable seed and extraction of as many bulbs as possible. Since the plants are able to make many tiny bulbs off the main one, it can be almost impossible to find them all in a season. Complete elimination may take years.
The first step to get rid of grape hyacinth is to remove seed scapes after the flower petals have fallen. Although it takes at least four years for the little seedlings to form flowers, the seeds will eventually restart the hyacinth take over.
Pull the leaves as well, as these are giving solar energy to turn to starch, which is then stored for the next years growth in the bulbs and bulbets. Normally, leaving the foliage until it has died back is recommended, but in this case, it is just adding fuel to the fire. You can also use a propane weed torch and burn off the greens. This method will require several years for complete success but eventually the plants will die.
Armenian grape hyacinths are amongst the most beautiful spring flowers that one can grow in their garden. However, these charming flowers are often plagued by pests like the crusader bug that can damage the leaves and blooms If you’ve noticed signs of an infestation, don’t worry – this comprehensive guide will walk you through effective organic and chemical control methods to eliminate crusader bugs from your grape hyacinths for good
Identifying Crusader Bugs
Before you can get rid of crusader bugs, it’s important to learn how to identify them. Crusader bugs are small, dark brown or black insects with distinct white markings along the edges of their body and wings, giving rise to their alternate name of bordered plant bugs. Around 6-10 mm in size, these bugs use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant fluids.
Check the undersides of leaves and flowers for the bugs themselves, clusters of small black eggs, or yellow spotting on the foliage indicating feeding damage. Left uncontrolled, a serious crusader bug infestation can lead to stunted growth, distorted leaves, wilting, and failed blooms in grape hyacinths.
Eco-Friendly Crusader Bug Control Methods
For mild infestations, organic and natural control methods are ideal for getting rid of crusader bugs without harming beneficial garden insects or the environment. Here are some effective approaches:
-
Handpick and remove bugs: Inspect plants thoroughly first thing in the morning when the bugs are sluggish and easier to catch. Crush them or drop into soapy water.
-
Use reflective mulches Silver-colored plastic mulches deter crusader bugs by reflecting light and disguising plant scent
-
Apply horticultural oils: These oils smother crusader bug eggs and nymphs while being safe for plants. Reapply every 1-2 weeks.
-
Use neem oil: The azadirachtin in neem oil acts as an antifeedant and growth regulator. Coat all plant surfaces and reapply weekly.
-
Attract natural predators: Ladybugs, lacewings, spiders, and birds help control crusader bug populations naturally.
-
Maintain proper garden hygiene: Promptly remove plant debris and weeds where the bugs breed.
Chemical Crusader Bug Treatments
For heavy crusader bug infestations, chemical control may be necessary when natural methods alone prove insufficient. Some effective chemical treatment options include:
-
Insecticidal soaps: Potassium salts of fatty acids disrupt crusader bug cell membranes on contact. Spray young nymphs weekly.
-
Pyrethrin insecticides: Derived from chrysanthemums, these chemicals quickly knock down crusader bugs but can also kill beneficials. Use cautiously.
-
Neonicotinoid insecticides: Systemic products like imidacloprid are absorbed and transported through plants to kill feeding crusader bugs. Apply as a soil drench.
-
Botanical insecticides: Natural chemicals like pyrethrum, azadirachtin, and garlic extract deter and eliminate crusader bugs. Reapply every 5-7 days.
Always follow label directions carefully for any chemical pesticide. Avoid overuse of broad-spectrum insecticides that can flare secondary pests like mites while harming pollinators and natural enemies.
An IPM Approach for Long-Term Control
For the best and longest-lasting crusader bug control in grape hyacinths, integrate multiple tactics as part of an IPM (integrated pest management) strategy:
-
Monitor plants regularly for early detection.
-
Remove and destroy egg masses and bugs.
-
Use row covers as an exclusion barrier.
-
Maintain optimal plant health and vigor.
-
Conserve natural predators like lady beetles already present.
-
Incorporate organic controls like neem oil and insecticidal soap.
-
Spot-treat with targeted insecticides only as a last resort.
By combining cultural, physical, biological, and chemical control methods, you can both eliminate existing populations and prevent future crusader bug infestations organically and safely.
Caring for Roots and Stems of Infested Grape Hyacinths
Once you’ve tackled the crusader bugs, it’s important to care for the roots and stems of affected grape hyacinth plants to help them recover their health and vigor:
-
Carefully dig up and inspect bulbs, trimming off any damaged or rotten roots before replanting at the proper depth.
-
Water thoroughly after re-planting to settle soil and eliminate air pockets around roots.
-
Apply a balanced liquid flower fertilizer to stimulate fresh root growth and stem regeneration.
-
Spread an organic mulch layer around plants to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.
-
Stake stems if they seem weak or damaged to provide physical support as they re-grow.
-
Remove spent blooms and seed pods regularly so the plant directs energy to its roots and stems rather than reproduction.
With attentive care of the roots and stems, your grape hyacinths will quickly bounce back from a crusader bug attack to reward you with their charming spring flowers year after year.
Armed with the control methods detailed in this guide, you can now take back your garden from destructive crusader bugs and enjoy thriving, pest-free Armenian grape hyacinths. Just remember consistency and diligence are key, along with integrating multiple strategies for the best results. Let us know how your crusader bug eradication process goes in the comments below!
Getting Rid of Grape Hyacinth Bulbs Manually
Removing grape hyacinths manually is a bit of a chore but works better than herbicide use. This is because the bulbs and bulbets have a waxy coating which helps protect them in winter, but also erects an effective barrier against chemicals. Dig at least 6 inches (15 cm.) down and pull out as many of the bulbs as possible.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook “How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes.” Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
Removing grape hyacinths completely is a challenge because it is hard to spot every single bulb. If you want to be meticulous, allow the foliage to grow in spring and then follow each and every leaf to its bulb or bulbet source. That is a bit intense for most gardeners so some follow up is usually necessary the next season and possibly even the one after too.
Grape Hyacinths are INVASIVE, muscari flowers in the spring and grows like a weed
FAQ
How to get rid of hyacinth bugs?
What kills stink bugs instantly on plants?
How do you deal with flower bugs?
Do hyacinths attract bugs?
Is Muscari armeniacum a grape hyacinth?
For a hit of intense blue in the garden in mid-spring, Muscari armeniacum can’t be beat. This small perennial bulb produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers that resemble bunches of grapes, giving rise to the common name grape hyacinth.
How do you kill grape hyacinths?
You can also use a propane weed torch and burn off the greens. This method will require several years for complete success but eventually the plants will die. Removing grape hyacinths manually is a bit of a chore but works better than herbicide use.
How long does it take to get rid of grape hyacinth?
Complete elimination may take years. The first step to get rid of grape hyacinth is to remove seed scapes after the flower petals have fallen. Although it takes at least four years for the little seedlings to form flowers, the seeds will eventually restart the hyacinth take over.
Why is it called a muscari Hyacinth?
The name of the genus, Muscari, comes from the Greek word for musk, referring to the scent produced by the flowers of many species in the genus. The common name comes from the resemblance of the clusters of the small, bell-shaped, cobalt-blue flowers to upside-down clusters of grapes. Grape hyacinth is hardy in zones 3-9.