The best-known collection of grape hyacinths in the world is the ‘Blue River’ which runs through Keukenhof in Lisse in the Netherlands. That’s another reason for putting them in a bowl on your garden table: you can see them much better. The grape hyacinth symbolises humbleness and modesty, because you need to kneel to admire it. As their common name grape hyacinth suggests, the flower racemes are tightly packed, urn-shaped florets that resemble small clusters of grapes. The name Muscari is derived from the Greek word móschos musk, and refers to the scent. It is Nationally Rare and a Section 41 species of principal importance in England under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. There are 42 recognised species, of which the blue is the best-known. Found in grasslands, waysides, hedgerows and pinewoods, wild grape-hyacinth is confined mostly to the Brecks where it likes the dry continental climate. However, a more modern classification assigns the grape hyacinth to the hyacinths. Purists believe that it’s a member of the Asparagus family, which includes both the vegetable and herbs and (climbing) plants. What’s unusual is that plant experts cannot agree which family it belongs to. The grape hyacinth has part of our surroundings for a long time - the plant is first referred to in botanical documents dating from 1601. In the wild the plant particularly occurs in verges and woody areas. Once the bulbs are in the soil, more will grow. Grape hyacinths are the perfect flowers for attracting birds to your yard, and their blue coloring is stunning. Grape hyacinth is native to the whole of Europe, Russia and northern Asia, and spreads readily. Hyacinth bulbs bloom in spring, producing clusters of tiny blue or purple flowers that resemble grapes. Since they reach a height of 10-25 cm, the effect is best in a low, wide container or bowl. They can be transferred from the pot to beds, but also do well on the garden table. Potted grape hyacinths have been optimally prepared by the grower to brighten your garden or patio straightaway, and flower in February and March through part of April. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be powder blue, azure, royal blue or indigo, and there are also white and pink grape hyacinths. From a distance it looks just like a bunch of grapes - hence the name. That grows into a small spike made up of tiny balls. First you see only green shoots, but soon a splash of blue, white or pink emerges. Grape hyacinth (Muscari) is one of the first plants to show colour when everything else still looks bare and is hibernating.
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