Muscari armeniacum

Grape hyacinth is a bulbous perennial herb in the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family with origins in southeastern Europe, Armenia, and Asia Minor. It can grow up to 6 inches tall and features slightly fragrant, densely packed, deep violet-blue, bell-shaped flowers that resemble an elongated, upside-down bunch of grapes, hence the common name. 

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade, under cool and moist conditions, and grows easily in average, well-drained soils. It tolerates summer drought but requires moisture during the growing season. Watering should be reduced after foliage begins to die back since dormancy occurs from late spring until autumn, when leaves again appear. Recommended propagation is by removing offsets and dividing every four to five years.  It is difficult to grow this plant from seed as it can take up to 4 years to bloom. Plant bulbs by burying them 5 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart.

Mass plant it in border fronts, open areas, in grassy slopes, along the edges of rock gardens, or walkways and among shrubs and in naturalized drifts. Because it naturalizes readily, grape hyacinth can be weedy may crowd out other species. Growing it in a container would minimize that tendency. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Occasionally damaged by deer, otherwise generally pest and disease free.  

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.