Grape Hyacinth Muscari 'Big Smile'
ABOUT
The Muscari 'Big Smile', commonly known as the Grape Hyacinth, is a bulbous perennial known for its striking springtime blooms. The plant produces dense conical clusters of small, urn-shaped flowers that are a vivid blue, often with a lighter edge to each petal, which resembles a collection of tiny grapes, leading to its common name. These flowers are tightly stacked on a sturdy, upright stem that emerges from a base of sword-shaped green leaves. When in bloom, the Grape Hyacinth 'Big Smile' delivers a striking and cheerful display, contributing a bright splash of color to the garden or landscape where it is planted. The plant is also appreciated for its pleasant fragrance, which adds to its allure during its flowering season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Grape Hyacinth, Bluebell.
Common names
Muscari 'Big Smile'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Muscari 'Big Smile' is Grape Hyacinth. Grape Hyacinth is considered to be mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In most cases, consumption of small quantities is unlikely to cause serious harm, but ingestion of large amounts should be avoided.
To pets
Grape Hyacinth contains alkaloids that are also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of the plant, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Although the toxicity is generally considered mild, it is still recommended to prevent pets from eating Grape Hyacinth and to seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs and signs of illness appear.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Spread
2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Muscari 'Big Smile' is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness without much impact on its health or blooming.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, helping to pollinate other plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its bright blue flowers, it adds a splash of color to gardens, borders, and pots in the spring.
- Naturalizing: This plant has the ability to spread over time, creating a charming, naturalized look in the landscape.
- Seasonal Interest: Flowers in the spring, providing an early source of color after the winter months.
- Mixes Well: Can be planted in combination with other spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils for a diverse display.
- Compact Size: Its short stature makes it ideal for use in rock gardens, borders, or as a ground cover.
- Deer and Rodent Resistant: Muscari 'Big Smile' is generally not preferred by deer or rodents, making it a good choice for areas where these animals are a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Grape hyacinth bulbs can be used as a natural dye source. The flowers of the Muscari 'Big Smile' may be boiled to produce a light green dye for fabrics.
- Planting grape hyacinths can help prevent soil erosion. Their dense root systems help stabilize soil on slopes and in garden beds.
- Muscari 'Big Smile', when planted in a vegetable garden, can actually deter certain pests that might otherwise harm vegetable crops.
- The grape hyacinth is sometimes used in companion planting to increase the biodiversity of the garden, which can lead to a healthier ecosystem overall.
- Squeezed Muscari 'Big Smile' flower water can be used for perfuming letters and note cards giving them a fresh, floral fragrance.
- Grape hyacinths can be used in crafting for natural flower arrangements or pressed flower art due to their vibrant color and durability.
- The long-lasting blooms of Muscari make them suitable as a natural source of pigmentation for eco-friendly crafts such as coloring Easter eggs.
- Muscari 'Big Smile' flowers can be frozen in ice cubes to create decorative elements for summer drinks or punch bowls, adding a floral touch to beverages.
- The attractive foliage of grape hyacinths post-flowering can be used in a rustic table decor, mixed with other greenery for a delicate, natural look.
- Used as a subject in photography, the dense clusters of Muscari 'Big Smile' provide a beautiful blue hue for spring-themed photo shoots.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGrape Hyacinth is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGrape Hyacinth is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Trust: Similar to many blue flowers, the Muscari 'Big Smile', commonly known as Grape Hyacinth, often symbolizes trust due to its soothing blue hue that is often associated with dependability and loyalty.
- Optimism:The bright, uplifting appearance of the Grape Hyacinth's blooms, especially the 'Big Smile' variety, suggests a sense of optimism and positive outlook.
- Constancy: Grape Hyacinths return every year, often in greater numbers, which may represent constancy or the idea of enduring and steadfast relationships.
- Rebirth: As a plant that emerges in the spring, Grape Hyacinths symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, which corresponds to the season's theme of renewal.
WaterGrape Hyacinths should be watered deeply but infrequently, as they prefer to be in soil that is moist but not waterlogged. During the active growth period in the spring, watering once a week with approximately one inch of water should suffice. Once the plants have finished flowering and the leaves start to yellow, reduce watering to allow the bulbs to dry out. Typically, watering can be reduced to once every two weeks or less, depending on rainfall. During the dormant period in the summer, it is often unnecessary to water the bulbs unless there is an extended period of dryness.
LightGrape Hyacinths flourish in full sun to partial shade, so a planting spot that receives at least four to six hours of sunlight a day is ideal. In regions with hot summers, providing some afternoon shade can help to prevent excessive heat stress. They perform well under deciduous trees, receiving spring sunlight before the trees fully leaf out.
TemperatureGrape Hyacinths tolerate a wide range of temperatures, with the ideal growing temperature being between 60°F and 70°F. They are cold-hardy and can typically survive winter temperatures down to about -20°F. However, during their active growth in spring, ensure that they are not exposed to prolonged periods of temperatures above 80°F, which can stress the plants.
PruningPruning Grape Hyacinths usually involves deadheading spent flowers to maintain plant appearance and prevent self-seeding if desired. After blooming, it's important to allow the foliage to die back naturally; cutting the leaves too early can weaken the bulb for the next year. The best time for any clean-up pruning would be late spring or early summer, after the leaves have yellowed and can be easily removed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGrape hyacinths, like Muscari 'Big Smile', thrive best in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A general recipe includes equal parts of potting soil, peat moss, and coarse sand or perlite. They prefer a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGrape hyacinths, such as Muscari 'Big Smile', generally do not need to be repotted frequently. They are typically repotted every 3-4 years or when the bulbs have multiplied and crowded the pot, usually after the foliage has died back post-flowering.
Humidity & MistingMuscari 'Big Smile', commonly known as grape hyacinth, prefers average humidity levels. They are not particularly sensitive to humidity and can tolerate the typical range found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light; water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in autumn, full sun to part shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleMuscari 'Big Smile', commonly known as grape hyacinth, begins its life cycle as a bulb, lying dormant during the heat of summer until the cooler temperatures of fall signal it to root. In late fall to early winter, the bulbs establish roots and may produce foliage that will overwinter. Come spring, the grape hyacinth emerges from the soil, rapidly growing its characteristic narrow, green leaves, followed by the development of its signature dense clusters of deep blue to purple bell-shaped flowers on tall spikes. After flowering, usually in mid to late spring, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis, where the foliage continues to gather energy from the sun, replenishing the bulb's energy reserves. Once the temperatures rise in late spring to early summer, the foliage dies back, and the grape hyacinth goes into dormancy again. This cycle repeats yearly, with the bulb potentially dividing and producing offsets that can be separated and planted to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating the Muscari 'Big Smile', commonly known as Grape Hyacinth, is by division of the bulb clusters. This is typically done in the fall after the foliage has died back. To propagate the bulbs, carefully dig up the clump and gently separate the individual bulbs, ensuring that each one has a portion of the basal plate – the area where the roots grow from. Replant the bulbs immediately in well-draining soil at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) and approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart. Water the bulbs lightly after planting to encourage the growth of the roots. This method allows for a fast and reliable way to multiply the plants while maintaining the attributes of the parent plant.
