Group Hyacinths

Day 195: Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) are surely one of the most rewarding and trouble-free colour accents for the spring garden. They grow from small bulbs which multiply rapidly, and while they do spread, they do not do so in the obnoxious manner for which wood-hyacinths such as Scilla (Spanish bluebells) and Hyacinthoides (English bluebells) are famous. Indeed, the Muscari are so tidy in their habit that I laughingly call them "Group Hyacinths," clustering in tightly packed conversational units and keeping to themselves. That said, once established, they are virtually perpetual, the larger bulbs forming dozens more tiny to microscopic bulblets, each capable of producing foliage and flowers within a year or two. It is hopeless to try to dig them out, but who would want to do so? Plant them and enjoy!