Muscari armeniacum is a species of flowering, bulbous plant in the genus Muscari, the squill subfamily Scilloideae of the asparagus family Asparagaceae (formerly the lilies, Liliaceae), with basal, simple leaves and short flowering stems. It is one of a number of species and genera known as Grape Hyacinth, in this case, Armenian Grape Hyacinth or Garden Grape Hyacinth. The flowers are purple, blue (with a white fringe), white ("Album"), or pale pink ("Pink Sunrise) and the plants are usually 15cm tall. M. armeniacum blooms in mid-Spring (April of May in the Northern Hemisphere) for 3-4 weeks. Some selections are fragrant. Established bulbs leaf in the Autumn. M. armeniacum is widespread in the woods and meadows of the Eastern Mediterranean, from Greece and Turkey to the Caucasus, including Armenia which give it its name.
Muscari armeniacum is one of the most commonly cultivated species of Muscari, as it is robust and naturalizes easily. It first appeared in European gardens in 1871. Cultivars listed by Mathew include "Blue Spike" (double flowered, with double florets on the flower stalk) and "Cantab" (Pale Blue). Others include "Argaei Album", "Album" (white), "Atlantic" (light blue, and was introduced by Jan van Bentem in 2002 by hybridization in 1990 from M. armeniacum and an unknown parent), "Cote d'Azur", "Christmas Pearl", "Dark Eyes", "Early Giant", "Fantasy Creation" (is a sport, or naturally occurring genetic mutation, of "Blue Spike"), "Jenny Robinson", "Peppermint", "Pink Sunrise" (pale pink), "Saffier", and "Valerie Finnis" (pale blue). The commonly available form is often referred to as M. armeniacum "Blue". Many of these cultivars have received recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
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