No group of plants does “adorable” and “blue” better than grape hyacinths. Most gardeners know these captivating little bulbs by way of Muscari armeniacum and its allies, whose elfin spires of chubby blue flowers do indeed resemble tiny bunches of grapes. But there’s another, equally delightful side to the Muscari tribe, with numerous species that are not at all grape-like in bloom. Botanists often split these non-grapey species into their own genera, but in the gardening world, the entire bunch are still known as Muscari. Garden Muscari possess several virtues in addition to their cute quotient. They’re hardy and long-lived, surviving many years in a sunny to partly shaded site with average to well-drained soil. They bloom during the height of spring, providing a cool azure contrast to tulips, spring anemones, primroses, daffodils, and other splashy spring-bloomers. Additionally, many of them naturalize readily, seeding themselves around the garden or multiplying by offsets. Give these naturalizing types a cottage garden, mixed border, or another informal setting, and they’ll pop up obligingly here and there in all their adorable blueness. Gardeners looking for something less rambunctious have many other Muscari to choose from.
The Armenian grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) is a spring-blooming bulb that has become a garden favorite thanks to its easy cultivation and charming flower clusters resembling upside-down bunches of grapes. But did you know there are actually several different varieties of Armenian grape hyacinth, each with their own unique colors and characteristics?
In this article we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular types of Armenian grape hyacinth flowers and what makes each one special. Whether you’re searching for a classic deep blue or something more unusual like silvery-blue blooms there’s an Armenian grape hyacinth to suit any taste!
Common Armenian Grape Hyacinth
The most widely grown type is the common Armenian grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) featuring traditional bell-shaped flowers in shades of dark blue light blue, or violet. Each bulb produces 1-3 flower stalks reaching 6-8 inches tall, with each stalk bearing 20-40 densely packed florets.
These blooms have a sweet, mildly grape-like fragrance and last up to two weeks as cut flowers. The common Armenian grape hyacinth naturalizes readily by self-seeding and is ideal for mass plantings or mixing with other spring bulbs.
Compact Grape Hyacinth
Slightly smaller than the common type, compact grape hyacinth (Muscari botryoides) has dainty urn-shaped flowers in white, blue-purple or pale blue. The flower clusters are looser, giving them an airier, more delicate appearance.
Compact grape hyacinths grow just 4-6 inches tall, making them perfect for edging paths, tucking between stepping stones, or naturalizing in lawns. Their soft colors blend pleasingly with other pastel-toned bulbs.
Broad-Leaved Grape Hyacinth
Distinctive for its broader, pleated foliage, the broad-leaved grape hyacinth (Muscari latifolium) bears striking two-toned flower spikes. The upper portion of each flower is a deep violet-blue, while the lower part glows bright yellow to orange.
Growing up to 8 inches tall, these uniquely colored blooms add a punch of contrast to rock gardens, borders, or containers. Broad-leaved grape hyacinth prefers partial shade and cooler climates.
Feather Hyacinth
Feather hyacinth (Muscari comosum plumosum) is a tassel-like Armenian grape hyacinth cultivar with long, thin purple-blue flowers that give it an elegant, fluffy appearance. Each scape carries dozens of tiny, barren florets that create a cloud-like effect.
These feathery flower plumes grow 10-15 inches tall, lending height and texture. Feather hyacinths are ideal for cut flowers and combining with bulbs like tulips and daffodils.
Valerie Finnis Grape Hyacinth
One of the most sought-after varieties is Valerie Finnis grape hyacinth, prized for its unusual silver-blue flower color. Each bulb produces densely packed flower spikes distinguished by their cool, metallic-looking coloration.
These 6-8 inch tall blooms add refinement and shine to any garden setting. Group en masse for a visually stunning display or use as elegant contrasts to brighter spring flowers.
Pearl Grape Hyacinth
For those desiring white blooms, pearl grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum album) offers an appealing option. Pure white flower clusters create a refreshing, innocent look. Since the blooms lack pigment, they tend to be shorter-lived than colored varieties.
Still, massed pearl grape hyacinths make quite a statement and pair beautifully with other white-flowered bulbs like snowdrops. Plant in a location with afternoon shade to prolong the blooms.
Double Grape Hyacinth
Double grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum pictum) provides an abundance of flowers by bearing fully double or even triple florets packed tightly on each stem. The ruffled double blooms add fullness and last a bit longer than single varieties.
Vibrant blue with hints of green and violet, these abundant blooms work nicely along walkways, borders, and in container gardens.
Pink Grape Hyacinth
For something different, try a pink grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum roseum) variety. Blooms emerge a rich magenta-pink before fading to lilac-pink. The pink coloring provides a softer, more romantic look compared to traditional blue shades.
Use pink grape hyacinths with other pink spring bulbs like tulips, hyacinths, and species crocuses for a perfectly coordinated display.
Lavender Grape Hyacinth
Similar to the pink variety, lavender grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum lavendulaceum) offers pastel-colored blooms in a soft lavender-mauve hue. The lighter color is quite elegant and pairs pleasingly with yellow daffodils.
For maximum impact, plant lavender grape hyacinths in drifts of 25 bulbs or more. The soothing color will welcome spring beautifully.
Early Giant Grape Hyacinth
Blooming up to 2 weeks earlier than common types, early giant grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum early giant) provides a chance to enjoy these bulbs even sooner. Deep violet-blue flower clusters appear in early spring, reaching 8-12 inches tall.
Force a few bulbs indoors for a spot of spring in late winter. Outdoors, combine early giant grape hyacinth with late-blooming snowdrops and crocuses to extend the floral display.
Giant Exhibition Grape Hyacinth
On the opposite end of the spectrum, giant exhibition grape hyacinth (Muscari macrocarpum) is a late-blooming Armenian grape hyacinth variety that towers up to 20 inches tall!
Long, arching stems bear big heads of indigo-blue flowers in late spring. Plant this big-impact type behind shorter varieties for an exciting contrast in height and bloom time.
Fragrant Grape Hyacinth
Most grape hyacinths have little to no scent, but fragrant grape hyacinth (Muscari aucheri) is an exception. Its blue-purple blooms emit a lovely, spicy fragrance reminiscent of hyacinths.
Besides its scent, this variety also features longer, looser flower spikes and glossy foliage that persists through fall. Let fragrant grape hyacinth perfume spring flowerbeds and borders.
Armenian Grape Hyacinth Mix
For a variety of colors in one planting, try an Armenian grape hyacinth mix. These contain a balanced blend of different Muscari varieties like blue, white, pink, and purple.
The diversity of colors makes for an exciting, ever-changing display as each variety blooms in succession. Mixes allow you to enjoy an assortment of grape hyacinths without having to plant each type separately.
Tips for Growing Armenian Grape Hyacinths
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Plant bulbs in fall at a depth 2-3 times their height; cover lightly with soil
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Space bulbs 2-4 inches apart when planting in clumps or drifts
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Site in full sun to light shade
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Provide average to poor, well-drained soil
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Apply fertilizer in fall for spring growth
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Water during growing season if rainfall is lacking
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Remove spent blooms to conserve energy; allow foliage to die back naturally
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Lift and divide clumps every 2-3 years after flowering
With their delightful flowers and easygoing nature, Armenian grape hyacinths are sure to bring joy to your spring garden for years to come. Take your pick from the many charming varieties—from classics to unique cultivars, there’s one perfect for any taste or planting location. Give several types a try and discover your own favorites!
Grape Hyacinth Species and Varieties
Muscari of all types typically produce grassy leaves that break ground in late summer and last through the following spring. Neatnik gardeners sometimes take issue with their near-evergreen leaves, as well as their persistent spent flower spikes. Both the foliage and the flowers can be easily pulled and discarded after they go brown.
Rambunctious Grape Hyacinths
Grape hyacinth season begins with the petite, summer-sky-blue spikes of azure grape hyacinth (Muscari azureum, aka. Pseudomuscari azureum, USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8). The little bell-shaped blooms open sequentially from the bottom to the top of the conical flower clusters, peaking in early spring. This little sprite is a moderate to enthusiastic self-sower. It also comes in a charming (and more slowly proliferating) white form, ‘Album’.
As spring reaches its zenith, so does that grapiest of grape hyacinths, Armenian grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum, USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8). The standard version of this eastern European native produces miniature steeples of bead-like, bright blue, white-lipped flowers, poised on 8-10-inch stems. The species has also yielded a number of outstanding cultivars. Among the most noteworthy are the white-flowered ‘Argaei Album’, the ethereal pale lavender-blue ‘Valerie Finnis’, and double-flowered ‘Blue Spike’ with shaggy clusters that resemble a blue broccoli rabe rather than a bunch of grapes. It also departs from the norm by not producing seedlings. In contrast, most other forms of Muscari armeniacum belong to the rambunctious side of the grape hyacinth tribe, self-seeding readily.
Fragrant flower bulbs: Muscari racemosum / Muscari muscarimi, a beautifully scented grape hyacinth
FAQ
How do you identify Muscari armeniacum?
What is the unusual grape hyacinth?
What are the different types of hyacinths?
How do you identify a grape hyacinth?
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.
What is a grape hyacinth?
Grape hyacinth ( Muscari armeniacum) is a mid-spring blooming, perennial bulb in the Lily Family (Liliaceae) native to southeastern Europe. It is not a true hyacinth (genus Hyacinthus ). 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.
How many florets does a grape hyacinth have?
Grape hyacinth produces 1-3 flower stalks per bulb (L), with 20-40 tightly packed florets (LC). Each bell-shaped floret has a white band on the rim (C). The flowers open from the bottom up the inflorescence (RC) and if pollinated are followed by tripartite seed pods (R). Grape hyacinth combines well with other spring bulbs and low perennials.
What does a grape hyacinth flower look like?
Another distinctive, bicolor grape hyacinth flower that first appears as a dusty purple, then turns to yellow as the bloom opens. With a pleasant fruity fragrance, the large, fleshy bulbs make a good choice for beds, containers, and for forcing blooms indoors.