Intro to the Grape Hyacinths
Worldwide, there are about thirty species of grape hyacinths. A number of these are in cultivation. The plants are native to Asia and the Mediterranean.
They have a short dormant period during the summer. These are a great choice for pollinator gardens because they provide pollinators with nectar and pollen.
Grape hyacinths are members of the lily family. Most are hardy to zone five or so. They generally bloom in early spring from March through May, depending on the location and the species.
These are very reliable bulbs that bloom every spring. They are perfect for naturalizing, and are easy to grow. Thee bulbs require very little care.
General Description of Grape Hyacinth
Most of these bulbs are from six inches up to a foot in height. The strap-like to lance-like leaves tend to be rather sparse. They begin to appear in the fall soon after the bulbs are planted. This remains present over the winter until the blooms emerge in spring.
The flower spikes are four inches in height. The very dense flower heads can contain huge numbers of crowded, urn-like to cup-shaped blossoms. These emerge at the top of the sturdy wind proof flower stalks. Some varieties of grape hyacinths have scented blooms.
Grape hyacinth blossoms resemble round balls, which explains the common name. The flowers can be vivid blue, soft blue, white, or soft yellow.
Growing Grape Hyacinths
Grape hyacinths are one of the easiest bulbs to grow. These are unharmed by frost. If given good growing conditions, they will usually spread very nicely.
Leave the plants undisturbed as long as possible. These look very attractive when they are planted in clumps.
These prefer full sun in cold climates. In warm climates, they need some shade. The best soil is a relatively sandy, deep, well drained, rich soil.
Space the bubs three to four inches apart at a depth of three inches. These require very little routine care. However, I would urge gardeners to not mow the area until the leaves of the bulbs have died back.
Grape hyacinths can be propagated from offsets and seeds.
They have a short dormant period during the summer. These are a great choice for pollinator gardens because they provide pollinators with nectar and pollen.
Grape hyacinths are members of the lily family. Most are hardy to zone five or so. They generally bloom in early spring from March through May, depending on the location and the species.
These are very reliable bulbs that bloom every spring. They are perfect for naturalizing, and are easy to grow. Thee bulbs require very little care.
General Description of Grape Hyacinth
Most of these bulbs are from six inches up to a foot in height. The strap-like to lance-like leaves tend to be rather sparse. They begin to appear in the fall soon after the bulbs are planted. This remains present over the winter until the blooms emerge in spring.
The flower spikes are four inches in height. The very dense flower heads can contain huge numbers of crowded, urn-like to cup-shaped blossoms. These emerge at the top of the sturdy wind proof flower stalks. Some varieties of grape hyacinths have scented blooms.
Grape hyacinth blossoms resemble round balls, which explains the common name. The flowers can be vivid blue, soft blue, white, or soft yellow.
Growing Grape Hyacinths
Grape hyacinths are one of the easiest bulbs to grow. These are unharmed by frost. If given good growing conditions, they will usually spread very nicely.
Leave the plants undisturbed as long as possible. These look very attractive when they are planted in clumps.
These prefer full sun in cold climates. In warm climates, they need some shade. The best soil is a relatively sandy, deep, well drained, rich soil.
Space the bubs three to four inches apart at a depth of three inches. These require very little routine care. However, I would urge gardeners to not mow the area until the leaves of the bulbs have died back.
Grape hyacinths can be propagated from offsets and seeds.
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