Scientific Name Muscari armeniacum (Apricot-coloured fly trap) 'Lindsay'
A perennial flower in deep violet which grows on a tall stem with deciduous, bright green foliage. Hardy through most of the UK down to -20°C. Flower: tufted growth Perennial
Common Name(s) Grape Hyacinths
Origin Grape hyacinths originate in the Mediterranean, from Turkey to the Caucasus
Description These small spring bulbs sprout bright blue flowers which bloom in April and May. They look like a cross between miniature hyacinths and a bunch of grapes, and will look great at the front of a border, at the edges of shrubbery or naturalised in grass. They are easygoing and can spread a lot without much specialist care or attention; just keep an eye on them to make sure they don't spread too much!
Months of Interest Flowers April - May
Pruning Tips Trim back the flowers once they have faded, but leave the rest of the stem.
Wildlife Value Can provide nectar for butterflies, and also are attractive to many other spring-flying pollinators, in particular the hairy-footed flower bee (Anthophora plumipes). Positioning Full sun to partial shade is great for these flowers; they can work well naturalised in lawns or in container displays. Water They grow best in moist soil; as long as it's not drought conditions, they shouldn't need extra water.
Soil Moist but well-drained soil is ideal; make sure they are not sat in a puddle! Chalky, loamy and sandy soils are all accepted by the grape hyacinth.
Food To ensure your soil has plenty of nutrients, it's a good idea to add compost or a slow-release flower fertiliser in Spring.
Pet-safe? Yes; no toxic effects have been reported, though it's best for the plant and your pets if they don't nibble too much!
Sprouts Top Tips Grape Hyacinths will spread and can get a little invasive. To prevent seeds developing, cut back spent blooms; to help control the spread, you can lift and divide clumps of the plants. This can also improve the flowers! If they still spread too much, plant into pots. Move in summer when the bulbs are dormant.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.