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Grape hyacinth
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Grape hyacinth

Muscari

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameGrape hyacinth
DescriptionCharming spring bulb featuring dense spikes of tiny, urn-shaped flowers in rich shades of blue, purple, or white, resembling miniature bunches of grapes. Blooms emit a sweet, grape-like fragrance. One of the easiest and most reliable spring bulbs, naturalizing readily to form colorful carpets under trees, in borders, or rock gardens. Blooms early spring with daffodils and tulips, providing essential nectar for early pollinators. Deer and rodent resistant, virtually carefree once established.
FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusMuscari
TribeHyacintheae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ P3+3 A3+3 G(3)

Ebracteate (no bracts), radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 6 tepals in 2 whorls of 3 fused into urn shape (perianth, no distinction between sepals and petals), 6 stamens in 2 whorls of 3, 3 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features
  • Name 'Muscari' from Greek 'moschos' (musk) for musky fragrance of some species. 'Grape Hyacinth' describes grape-like flower clusters. Not true hyacinth (Hyacinthus) but related. About 40 Muscari species. Cultivated since 16th century. Popular for forcing indoors
  • Flowers 0.25 inches (6 mm) long, tiny urn-shaped bells with constricted mouths, densely packed in 2-3 inch spikes. Colors include deep cobalt blue, sky blue, violet-blue, purple, white, and bicolors. Some species have sweet, grape-like or musky fragrance. Blooms early to mid-spring (March-May). Each bulb produces 1-2 spikes
  • Bulbous perennial that blooms in early spring, goes dormant by early summer. Foliage appears in fall, persists through winter. Naturalizes readily, forming dense colonies. Self-seeds moderately. Long-lived (10-20+ years). Excellent for forcing indoors. Blooms with daffodils and early tulips
  • Grows 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) tall, dwarf varieties 4-6 inches. Spikes 2-3 inches long. Bulb lifespan 10-20+ years. Propagated from bulb offsets (multiply readily), division, or seed (3-4 years to bloom). Plant bulbs 3-4 inches deep in fall
  • Native to Mediterranean region, southern Europe, Turkey, and western Asia. M. armeniacum from Armenia and Turkey. Found in meadows, rocky slopes, and woodland edges. Now naturalized in North America, Australia. Widely cultivated worldwide
  • Requires full sun to partial shade. Thrives in well-drained soil. Water during growth and bloom; reduce after flowering. Plant bulbs in fall for spring bloom. Naturalizes easily—leave undisturbed to multiply. Deer, rabbit, and rodent resistant. Very low maintenance. Hardy zones 4-8
  • Perfect for naturalizing, rock gardens, borders, and containers. Excellent ground cover under deciduous trees. Good for forcing indoors. Attracts early bees and butterflies. Deer and rodent resistant. Combines beautifully with daffodils, tulips, and other spring bulbs. Symbolizes power and pride. Easy for beginners

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificMuscari
English (Alternate)Bluebell, Muscari
Hindiग्रेप हाइअसिन्थ (Grep Haiyasinth), ग्रापए ह्यचीन्थ (grape hyacinth)
Tamilமுசுக்கட்டைப்பூ (Musukkaṭṭaippū)
Teluguద్రాక్ష పొన్న గడ్డి (Draksha Ponna Gaddi)
Malayalamമുസ്കാരി (Muskari)
Kannadaಮಸ್ಕಾರಿ (Maskari)
Sanskritक्षीरिक (Kshirika)
Bengaliঅ্যাজালিক (Ajhalik), কচুরিপানা (Kochuripana)
Frenchjacinthe à grappes
Russianмускари (muskari), гадючий лук (gadyuchiy luk), мышиный гиацинт (myshinyi giatsint)
Spanishjacinto de uva, muscari, jacinto ramoso
GermanTraubenhyazinthe

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.