Grape Hyacinth - Muscari neglectum - €10 for 8 bulbs 

The common name of the Grape Hyacinth is a reference to the clusters of small, delicate bell shaped blue to purple flowers which resemble clusters of grapes. Although commonly grown as an ornamental plant, the Grape Hyacinth is also provides an excellent early source of nectar for bees in spring. Grape Hyacinth is frequently found in abandoned fields, scrub and in exposed rocky places and prefers a rich open well-drained soil and a sunny position, although it is easily grown in any well-drained soil. It is a perfect candidate for a rock garden or wildflower meadow. To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: Mediterranean region, north to Britain, Belgium, Germany and S. Russia.
  • native habitat: Dry grassland in sandy soils
  • family: Hyacinthaceae

Predators and Pests

  • ​No serious problems 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral, Alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-7
  • Prefers well drained soil


​Known Hazards

  • The bulb is poisonous.  It contains a substance called comisic acid, which is said to act like saponin. It is not advisable to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins.

Overview

  • Bulb growing to 0.3 m by 0.1 m at a medium rate.
  • It is not frost tender.
  • It is in flower from April - May, and the seeds ripen from July - August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.The plant is self-fertile.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist and well drained soil.

Characteristics

  • form: Perennial bulb
  • layer :Ground Layer
  • habit: Bulb
  • height x width (m): 0.3 x 0.1 

Products 

  • Leaves:  Linear or strap-shaped leaves 
  • Flowers: Small beautiful blue, bell-shaped, tubular or urn-shaped flowers that are nectar rich and a great source of early nectar for bees. Fragrant.​

Functions, behaviours

  • In time it expands and forms an ephemeral carpet of delicate colour in the spring. 
  • Plants seem to be be immune to the predations of rabbits 
  • A good source of early food for bees
  • A very ornamental and easily grown plant

Polyculture Partners - plants that should grow well with Muscari neglectum 

Picture

    If you would like more information about this polyculture click to here to move over to our blog article. 
    If you would like this plant send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
    Balkan Ecology Project