Muscari aucheri, commonly known as Aucher-Éloy Grape Hyacinth, is a deciduous perennial bulb native to rocky, open hillsides and scrublands in Turkey. It is a diminutive plant, often reaching less than 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) in height, though some cultivated forms may be taller. Each bulb typically produces two or three leaves that are relatively wide for a Muscari, with a greyish-green upper side and a distinctive hooded or boat-shaped tip. The flowers of M. aucheri are notable for their dense spike, or raceme, with the lower fertile flowers being bright blue with whitish lobes or teeth at the mouth, while the upper sterile flowers are paler blue or almost white. The flowering season occurs in spring, and the blooms are highly attractive to pollinators.

Aucher-Éloy Grape Hyacinth is valued for its vibrant blue flowers and ease of cultivation, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and underplanting with deciduous shrubs. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. While it is easy to grow, it does not multiply rapidly, which can be an advantage in preventing unwanted spread. For best results, plant M. aucheri in full sun to part shade, provide medium amounts of water, and ensure the soil has medium to fast drainage to mimic its native rocky habitats. It is generally pest-free, but can be susceptible to bulb rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0