Muscari

( muss - KAIR - ee )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of perennials grow from bulbs and are commonly called Grape Hyacinth. They require full sun to light shade and regular water during their growth and bloom period. They are native to the Mediterranean and southwestern Asia, and form grassy clumps of foliage from which spikes of blue or white flowers bloom in early springtime. Some species are fragrant. 

Muscari Species and Varietals

The genus Muscari is a member of the plant family Asparagaceae and includes between 40 and 60 species. The best growing zones for Muscari vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Muscari armeniacum (Grape Hyacinth, Armenian Grape Hyacinth, Garden Grape-Hyacinth)
This species of Grape Hyacinth grows best in zones A2, A3 and 1-24. This plant typically produces bright blue flowers above floppy foliage, and has many common varieties.
'Blue Spike'
This species has double flowers in blue that form in a tight cluster.
'Early Giant'
An early-blooming variety with dark blue flowers edged in white.
'Cantab'
Light blue blossoms on a more compact, neat plant. 
'Pink Sunrise'
This variety has pale pink flowers. 

​Muscari aucheri (Muscari tubergenianum) (Aucher-Eloy Grape Hyacinth)
This species grows to 8 inches tall and is best in zones A1-A3 and 1-24. Flowers on the bottom of the spike are bright blue and those towards the top are more pale blue to whitish. Foliage is green and strappy.

Muscari azureum (Hyacinthella azurea, Hyacinthus azureus)
This species grows best in zones 2-24 and flower spikes rise 8 inches tall and hold fragrant, sky blue blooms that are bell-shaped rather than urn-shaped.

​Muscari boytryoides (Grape Hyacinth)
Best in zones A1-A3 and 1-24, this species has medium blue flowers on 1 foot tall stems. Variety 'Album' has white flowers. This species is native to central and southeastern Europe, where they typically grow in open woodlands and mountain meadows. It is considered invasive in Tennessee.

​Muscari comosum (Fringe Hyacinth, Tassel Hyacinth)
This species grows in zones 1-24 and has loose clusters of greenish brown to bluish purple blooms. The variety 'Plumosum' (pictured; also called 'Monstrosum') has violet-blue to reddish-blue blooms.

​Muscari latifolium (Broad-Leaved Grape Hyacinth)
This species grows  best in zones 1-24 and is very showy. Each bulb produces one flowering stem that reaches a foot tall. Flowers at the bottom of the spike are deep violet and those towards the top are a vivid blue. Hardy down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Muscari macrocarpum (Yellow Grape Hyacinth)
Grown in zones 5-9 and 14-24, and has strap-like grey-green leaves and 6-8 inch tall stems. Flowers are soft yellow on the bottom of the flower spike and fade to brown/purple at the tip. The flowers have a sweet fragrance. These plants flower best after being dormant over a hot, long summer. Variety 'Golden Fragrance' has golden-yellow flowers at the bottom of the bloom spike and purple ones towards the top.

​​Muscari neglectum (Starch Hyacinth, Common Grape Hyacinth)
This species is best in zones 1-24 and forms stems 6 inches tall, with dark blue blossoms edged in white at the bottom of the flower spike and pale blue blooms above. Flowers are scented like laundry starch. These plants are native to temperate climates in Eurasia.

Caring for Muscari

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Muscari
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 448, Muscari
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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