Muscari armeniacum Blue Spike - Grape Hyacinth

Muscari armeniacum 'Blue Spike' is a spectacular variety with very double, medium blue flowers, which crowd on a plump spike like a miniature hyacinth. This small hardy bulbous plant forms magnificent carpets against a backdrop of daffodils and tulips, and charming borders along pathways, in large blue patches. It also grows very well in pots, to adorn the terrace or balcony with its spring flowers. 'Blue Spike' naturalises over time through vegetative multiplication, but sometimes reverts to its single-flowered form.

Muscari armeniacum, sometimes called Armenian grape hyacinth, is a plant from the asparagaceae family. This small bulbous plant is native to the mountains of southeastern Europe, Armenia, as well as Turkey and the Caucasus, where it endures severe frosts.

The 'Blue Spike' variety is a pretty spontaneous mutation of this species, producing 2 to 3 flowers on each peduncle instead of the usual one. The plant forms a basal rosette of long, very narrow, gutter-shaped leaves, in a light and vibrant green colour. Flowering usually takes place in April, a little earlier or later depending on the exposure and climate. Each rosette produces 2 to 3 flower stalks which are more developed and durable than other varieties, on a mature and well-developed bulb. The 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) tall flower stalks bear countless small urn-shaped flowers, in a medium blue to linen blue colour. They are fragrant and tightly gathered in a compact cluster, 12 to 13 cm (5in) tall. The flowers often have a small white margin. This variety does not produce viable seeds.

While Muscari is usually a rather unassuming plant, 'Blue Spike' has a strong personality that does not go unnoticed in spring. It proves to be versatile and very useful in a garden or for houses without gardens. Its great resistance to cold, drought, and shade allows it to be used in many situations: in the understory, at the base of trees, as a border to emphasize the design of a pathway, in a rock garden, or Japanese-style gardens. It also grows very well in pots, on a window or balcony. It is so accommodating that it will forgive forgotten watering and thrive in neglected or weekend gardens. Its blue flowers are very beautiful next to the yellow trumpets of daffodils or the double cups of 'Foxtrot' tulips whose colour varies from pink to white throughout the day. The bulbs of Muscari armeniacum 'Blue Spike' are also easy to force for beautiful winter flowers in the house.