Grape hyacinths (muscari) are delightful spring flowers that are easy to grow and adaptable to most garden conditions. But they have a bit of a bad reputation. I remember a neighbour, when I was a child, who spent years battling the common Muscari armeniacum, digging out bucketfuls every year. And he never won the battle. Every autumn the foliage appeared, transforming his flower beds into a ‘lawn’ of bright green leaves. Unfortunately he always dug out the big bulbs, leaving only seeds and tiny bulbs so there were never many flowers. If he had left well alone he would have at least enjoyed a sea of blue in April.
But most muscari do not seed like weeds and are much better behaved. There is a lot of variation among muscari but the most popular and effective are the blue, ‘bobbly’ kinds. The common name refers to the shape of the flowers which do bear some resemblance to a bunch of grapes.
One of the great things about grape hyacinths is that they are not expensive and they are so easy to grow. They tend to flower later than many other small, blue spring bulbs and are usually at their peak in April. This makes them ideal companions to many tulips as well as polyanthus and wallflowers. They are great for hanging baskets, patio pots, raised beds and for borders. But they always prefer a spot in full sun and a soil that is not waterlogged.
One of the nicest is ‘Valerie Finnis’ with pale blue flowers but there are many more in a range of blue shades and all are good. If you are adventurous you could try ‘Pink Sunrise’ which is the first pink grape hyacinths but the colour is not very bright and you could get a lot of blue grape hyacinths for the money!
Be generous when planting grape hyacinths. Although each bulb will produce two or three flower spikes they always look best when en masse. You can mix different kinds for a patchwork effect because most grow to the same height and flower at about the same time. If you plant them in pots you can carefully lift them and replant them in the garden when they die down and most will produce small bulbs around the large bulb so you will have plenty to establish in the garden in a sunny spot. They are hardy and their clusters of small flowers are tough enough to cope with the worst of the erratic spring weather.
Grape hyacinths are also perfect for patio pots where they look wonderful with violas of all colours. Make sure you pack them in and plant them generously for the best effect. Or combine them with dwarf daffodils for a real celebration of spring.
Weekly reminders
Lift dahlias and gladioli and dry them and keep them free of frost for winter
Pull up bedding plants and put them on the compost heap. Dig over the flower beds and plant with spring bedding and bulbs
Clean up the veg plot. Harvest carrots and other root crops and pul up weeds and old crops. Dig over the soil if it is clear.
Pick all late apples from trees and store in a shed to mature
Rake fallen leaves off lawns. If the lawn is dry mow to keep it neat. It will also pick up fallen leaves.