Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
4/15/04
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Reiman's Pick for the week of April 12, 2004
Grape Hyacinth: Small Plants with Big Impact
By Linda Naeve
Extension Coordinator, Reiman Gardens
This week's Reiman's Pick, grape hyacinths, can be described with a few clichés, such as "small and mighty" or "the mouse that roared." Although they only grow 6 to 8 inches in height, grape hyacinths make a huge impact in the garden.
Grape hyacinths, Muscari armeniacum, bloom in mid-spring from small bulbs planted in the fall. They are long-lived perennials that bloom reliably year after year. The flowers, 6- to 8-inch spikes of small, round blooms, resemble an upside down bunch of grapes. They are one of the longest lasting spring-flowering bulbs in the garden, blooming for nearly three weeks in April through early May.
Grape hyacinths are valued for their carefree nature. They propagate over time by bulb offsets and seed dispersal. Within a few years, a small planting will spread and look naturalized to create a sea of blue in spring.
Grape hyacinths are one of the few true blue flowers in the garden. There are approximately 30 Muscari species that produce spikes of white, purple and various shades of blue. For example, M. Mount Hood is two-toned with cobalt blue florets on the bottom and small white florets capping the top.
Gardeners who grow grape hyacinths for the first time may be surprised in the fall and think Mother Nature's calendar is off schedule. After blooming in the spring, grape hyacinth foliage naturally dies back like other bulbs. In early fall, new leaves suddenly emerge and remain green throughout winter. This foliage is tolerant of temperatures down to zero degrees Fahrenheit, but below that, it suffers some degree of winterburn. The narrow, grass-like leaves survive well when covered with a blanket of snow throughout most of the winter. In the spring, the weathered foliage grows to about 8 inches in length, and the flower spikes arise from the middle of the plant.
The individual floret on a grape hyacinth is small, but clusters and numbers are what make their presence known in the garden. There are several florets on each spike and several bulbs planted 3 inches apart in drifts or clusters of 50 or more will create a stunning, colorful display. Don't let this quantity discourage you. Grape hyacinths bulbs are inexpensive, and since they are planted only 3 to 4 inches deep, they can be planted easily in no time at all.
Grape hyacinths grow well in full sun or partial shade. They add spring color to rock gardens and serve as a ground cover under trees and high-branching shrubs. They also make a good border in a perennial garden. Electric blue grape hyacinths complement yellow daffodils and enhance the beauty of red tulips.
You can see a beautiful display of grape hyacinths and other spring-flowering bulbs in the Conservatory at Reiman Gardens. Tulips and other spring bloomers can be seen throughout the gardens this month.
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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 424K. Caption: ranunculus |
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