Muscari latifolium - Grape Hyacinth

Muscari latifolium, also known as the Broad-leaved Grape Hyacinth, is an original, rather large species. It is a bulbous plant that produces narrow, conical, typically bicolored clusters, densely packed with dark purple-black tubular flowers topped with blue flowers. The foliage usually appears in autumn, in the form of a single broad and fleshy, chalky green leaf, and then disappears in summer. This plant prefers cool climates, partial shade, and well-drained, fertile soil, dry in summer.

Muscari latifolium is a bulbous plant in the hyacinth family native to the coniferous forests of the mountains in southern and western Turkey. It is often found growing on the edge of sparsely populated pine forests, on slightly acidic soil.

This plant is rather large for a muscari and can reach up to 40 cm (16in) high. Its vegetative cycle begins in September-October, when a single leaf appears (rarely two leaves are observed). Its broad, chalky green leaf is curled at the base and persists throughout winter. A single flower spike emerges in spring, April-May depending on the climate and weather. The inflorescence is a cluster of flowers 2 to 6 cm (1 to 2in) long and about 1.5 cm (1in) wide. The urn-shaped flowers are small, only 5 to 6 mm (0in) long and tightly packed together in a narrow, dense cone. The blue-violet almost black flowers are fertile and produce seeds after being pollinated by insects. The sterile flowers at the top of the spike are a very bright medium blue and their role is to attract pollinating insects. This bulb easily naturalises in light soil.

Plant Muscari latifolium in groups of about ten bulbs, in a flowering carpet or along a path to achieve a good decorative effect, or randomly naturalise them in a meadow and at the base of shrubs. Its flowers provide a beautiful range of blues, which will enhance all other spring bulbs. They pair well with daffodils and wood anemones, creating delicate scenes. Pink or white tulips are also good companions for their graceful flowers.