Muscari sp. (Grape Hyacinth)

Description

Heirloom Bulb introduced from Eurasia, many centuries ago. Has charming 6″ racemes of flowers,  that look and smell like clusters of grapes. They start blooming in February in Beaufort County, SC. and will continue blooming through March, maybe April. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. They are an excellent addition to the pollinator garden, as few native plants start blooming this early. One of my earliest memories is rescuing grape hyacinths from an old homesite with my Dad, Dr. Jerry A. Payne and planting them in our Houston Co., GA garden. I remember him pointing the resemblance to grapes. My Dad passed away in March, 2024. My stepmom invited me to take some of these home from their Macon/Bibb Co, GA garden to plant in my nursery. This was such a confusing time, that I did not remember collecting them or replanting them. I was very pleasantly surprised when I saw them blooming in my nursery. I called my stepmom, Rose Green Payne, to tell her about them. She remembered me digging them. My mind filled with happy memories with my Dad and tears filled my eyes. They continue to grow around homesites, long after are abandoned, but are not reported to be invasive anywhere. The USDA Plant Atlas reports them as naturalized from Southern Canada to the Deep South. Plant them where they receive sun or part shade in the winter and early spring.They thrive in both clay and sand.