Scientific Name
Muscari comosum 'Plumosum'
Common Name
Grape Hyacinth
MUSCARI
comosum 'Plumosum'
(Purple flowers)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Muscari comosum 'Plumosum' flowers in late spring (May) for 2-3 weeks. Plants are about 6 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Asia minor, Europe, and Northern Africa
2. Common names: Grape Hyacinth
3. Geophyte organ: Tunicated bulb
4. Hardiness type: Hardy I - Injured at temperatures below 23 degrees F (-5C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces by offsets and requires a warm (65 to 75F) - cool (28 to 32F) - warm (55 to 65F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Borders, rock gardens, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 5/6, 6/up cm, in circumference
2. Planting density: 0-1 inches apart, 30-60 per sq. ft. Can be scattered in meadow areas and among trees and shrubs.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of the bulb.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Climatic zone habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zones 6 to 7 with mulch, Zone 8 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight only.
7. Moisture: Tolerates summer drought, but requires moisture during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Normally not susceptible.
D. Companion Plants:
Coreopsis, Dianthus, Digitalis, Forsythia, Hemerocallis, Iris (rhizomatous), Kniphofia, Narcissus, Pennisetum, Peonies, Stokesia, Tulipa, Verbascum, Deutzia gracilis, Forsythia, Philadelphus, Rhododendron spp. (deciduous and evergreen), Spiraea `Lime Mound', Weigela.

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 31 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.