Grape-hyacinth
Muscari neglectum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Grape-hyacinth (Muscari neglectum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–10" H × 3"–6" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Pollinators
bees, flies
Native alternatives to Grape-hyacinth
Grape-hyacinth is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaGrape-hyacinth produces clusters of small, deep blue flowers resembling tiny grapes on short stems in early spring. This compact bulb naturalizes easily and provides early season color when few other plants are blooming. The narrow, grass-like foliage emerges in fall and dies back by summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Grape-hyacinth is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- Foliage can look messy as it yellows and dies back in late spring
- May spread aggressively in ideal conditions
Wildlife value
Blooms provide nectar for early-season bees and flies when few other flowers are available. The early timing makes it especially valuable for emerging pollinators in spring.
Common questions
- How much sun does Grape-hyacinth need?
- Grape-hyacinth grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Grape-hyacinth bloom?
- Grape-hyacinth blooms in April and May.
- What pollinators does Grape-hyacinth attract?
- Grape-hyacinth draws bees and flies.
- Is Grape-hyacinth HOA-friendly?
- Grape-hyacinth is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Grape-hyacinth? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz