Grape Hyacinth
Common name
Grape Hyacinth
Scientific Name
Muscari armeniacum
Type of plant
Bulbs or Corms
About this weed
Muscari armeniacum has not been recorded in Florabase but has now been found in busland close to Perth’s city centre. It is one of ‘those bulbs’ found in the gardening section of hardware stores and the like. Its appeal is its vibrant blue flower heads. It is definitely a garden escapee now invading our bushland thanks to someone dumping their garden refuse illegally.
Description
This pretty bulb has simple leaves and short flowering stems. I usually growns to about 15 centimetres. It can be found in gardens forming neat hedges along pathways. It is one of a number of species and genera known as Grape Hyacinth and is probably from the eastern Mediterranean where it is widespread in the woods and meadows.
Impact on Bushland
Like all bulbs that are garden escapees, they do not belong in the bushland. As there are only a few records at this time their impact isn’t known.
Location
Perth urban bushland.
Priority for removal
Unknown:
Management (hand)
Although there are no management notes on removing this bulb here is an extract from “Garden Express – Australia’s largest online nursery;
There’s some words that ring alarm bells – carefree plant, forget style bulb, left to naturalise, drought tolerant, easy to grow.
Indicative of a plant that has weed potential.
It may not be a weed today, but what of tomorrow?
A carefree plant and forget style bulb. Ideal for creating borders or look spectacular when left to naturalise under trees. They multiply well and are prolific flowering. Hardy, drought tolerant and easy to grow. Prefer a full sun position in well drained soil. Early spring flowering.
Management (herbicide)
Not available.
Flowering month/s
August, September, October
Flower colour/s
Blue, Pink, Purple, White
Information source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscari_armeniacum
