Grape Hyacinth

Armenian Grape-hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum cultivar)

Once, long ago, someone planted Armenian Grape-hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) in the garden here. It has long since "slipped its bonds", and has seeded itself all over the property. The short spikes of little, bell-shaped, purple flowers are muscling up through the quickly growing grass, straining through cracks in the flagstoned area near the house, and dotting the edges of flowerbeds everywhere. With their prolific – and early – flowers, they're a favourite of early pollinators like the little Dark-edged Bee-flies (one snapped visiting the flowers above) and the noisy Hairy-footed Flower Bees. As the name suggests, it originated in the eastern Mediterranean region, from Greece and Turkey to the Caucasus (including Armenia). It was first introduced to English gardens towards the end of the 19th century, and has proved very popular with gardeners since. It's hardy and perennial, with a pleasant grape-like scent to the flowers, and spikes that can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The bulbs bloom in mid-spring and flower for weeks. Though the foliage dies back once flowering is done, the leaves grow again by mid-autumn, and provide a touch of green all through milder winters. It grows best in full sun (not unexpected for a Mediterranean plant), but flowers longest in shade, and prefers well-drained soils. Needless to say, it's quite happy with the sandy soils we have here. Given its popularity with the local invertebrates, long may it continue to thrive!