Scientific Name
Hyacinthus orientalis (Eastern plant named after Hyacinthus)
A perennial flower in white, red or purple which grows on a tall stem with deciduous foliage.
Hardy through most of the UK down to -15°C.
Flower: upright columnar growth
Perennial
Common Name(s)
Common Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth
Origin
Originates in the Near East, from Israel to Turkey.
Description
These fragrant spring bulbs will bring a splash of colour and cheer to your garden! We have pink, purple and white varieties, which will each bring their own character. Hyacinths work well at the front of borders, or in pot displays. These tall stems can grow up to a metre tall over a few years, and will love a spot in your garden which gets some sun and where water can drain from. Plant the bulbs in autumn or when flowering in spring and enjoy as they come back year on year.
Months of Interest
Blooms March-April
Pruning Tips
Not required; you can cut spent flower stems back to the base though.
Wildlife Value
Hyacinth flowers are rich in nectar and pollen and are known for attracting bees, including honey bees.
Positioning
Dappled shade to full sun, Hyacinths can grow in both sheltered and more exposed spots
Water
Likes to be kept reasonably moist as long as it's not soggy. Unless there is a drought while they are blooming in early spring (very unlikely in the UK), you probably don't need to worry about watering them.
Soil
Can grow in a variety of soils, from clay to sand, as long as it can drain and not sit in a puddle.
Food
If your soil is low in nutrients, add bulb-friendly fertiliser in autumn when the bulbs are growing new roots, and in Spring when they are blooming. A slow-release fertiliser would work well here. A fertiliser high in potash will help keep the blooms looking bright in the years after the first flowering.
Pet-safe?
Toxic to cats, dogs and people; no reported toxicity to horses, birds and livestock.
Sprouts Top Tips
Wear gloves when handling the bulbs as they can irritate skin! May be susceptible to slugs and snails.
Indoors, where it is a little too warm for Hyacinths, their stems will flop over due to the heat and the weight of the flowers. Keep them in a nice cool spot, and ideally outdoors, to keep them growing nice and tall!
