Expert Tips for Growing Grape Hyacinth Flowers

How to Grow Grape Hyacinth Flowers

Courtesy Sandra Scaggs

“I spotted a plant in my yard that I’ve never seen before. I had my husband mow around it so I could take a picture (above). Is it a weed?” asks Sandra Scaggs of Granite City, Illinois.

Garden expert Melinda Myers: What a nice surprise to find grape hyacinth growing on your property. Animals usually leave these bulbs alone, but it looks like some two- or four-legged critter planted these in the grass. Some gardeners do intentionally plant these bulbs in the lawn in fall for added spring color. Once the flowers fade you can mow high and these bulbs will return next year. Or dig them up and move them to the garden if you’d rather enjoy them there.

• Common name: Grape hyacinth
• Scientific name: Muscari armeniacum
• Zones: 3 to 9
• Bloom time: Spring
• Planting time: Fall
• Height: 4 to 8 inches
• Soil: Well draining
• Light: Full sun to partial shade

Check out the best websites for buying flower bulbs online.

Pollinator Benefits

Courtesy Michele Lam

Not only is this plant a bee favorite, but butterflies love it, too.

Nothing is more exciting after a long colorless winter than the sight of the first grape hyacinth popping up in the yard. I think the bumblebees agree,” says Birds & Blooms reader Michele Lam.

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Backyard Tip

Courtesy Karen Brown

Like many spring blooming bulbs, grape hyacinths do best in full sun. luckily, most trees haven’t leafed out yet, so otherwise shady areas are sunny enough in spring for bulbs.

“Grape hyacinths are unique little flowers. As their name suggests, they do indeed look like small clusters of grapes. It is very pleasing to see these cheerful little purple flowers early in the spring after a long, dull winter. I took this photo in the spring at a nature preserve in LaGrange County, Indiana,” says Birds & Blooms reader Karen Brown.

Next learn how and when to plant tulip bulbs.