Hyacinthus orientalis (Dutch Hyacinth)
Dutch Hyacinth, Common Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth, Hyacinth
Hyacinths, with their rich fragrance and stunning spike-like flowers, are a must-have for any spring garden. These perennial bulbs create a breathtaking display with their abundant florets, adding beauty and elegance to your outdoor space.
What is Hyacinth?
Hyacinthus orientalis, commonly known as the common hyacinth or garden hyacinth, is a perennial flowering plant native to southwestern Asia, in southern and central Turkey, northwestern Syria, Lebanon, and northern Israel. It is often cultivated for its fragrant flowers in early spring.
Habit and Size: Hyacinth is a bulbous perennial plant. It produces a dense spike of fragrant flowers that reaches 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in height. The leaves are basal, broadly linear, and usually bright green. Hyacinths grow back year after year and gently spread and multiply under good growing conditions, creating drifts of colorful flowers. This is because hyacinth bulbs produce new little bulbs (bulblets) that develop on the mother bulb. Hyacinth bulbs, however, will generally only last 3 or 4 years.
Flowers: The flowers are tubular, opening to reveal star-shaped florets. They can be blue, pink, lilac, purple, yellow, apricot, red, and white. There are three types of hyacinths: single hyacinth (with closely-packed single florets), double hyacinth (with closely-packed double florets), and multiflora hyacinth (with loose floret arrangement and multiple flower stalks).
Blooming Season: Hyacinth typically blooms once a year in early to mid-spring. Depending on the climate and specific variety, it can flower anytime from March to May. The blooms last about two weeks, depending on the weather.
Hardiness: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Uses: Hyacinths are primarily grown for their vibrant colors and strong fragrance. They are often used in borders, containers, and rock gardens. They also make excellent cut flowers that will perfume an entire room and are frequently forced indoors for winter blooms.
Pollinators: The fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator garden.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Deer and Rabbit: It’s a favorite among gardeners because it’s resistant to both deer and rabbits, which generally avoid it due to its toxicity.
Hyacinthus orientalis has a rich history and is linked to Greek mythology. According to one legend, the flower sprang from the blood of the young prince Hyacinthus, who was accidentally killed by Apollo. The tears Apollo shed spelled ‘AI, AI’, the sign of sorrow, and this was said to be imprinted on the flower.
Why Should I Grow Hyacinth?
Growing Hyacinth offers several benefits:
Vibrant Colors and Fragrance: Hyacinths are renowned for their intense, sweet fragrance and their vibrant, jewel-toned flowers, adding a splash of color to any garden in the early spring.
Pollinator-Friendly: The fragrant flowers of hyacinths attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of your garden.
Easy to Grow: Hyacinths are hardy and easy to grow, requiring only well-drained soil and sunlight. Once planted, they can be left to naturalize and will come back year after year with minimal maintenance.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Thanks to their toxicity, hyacinths are usually ignored by deer and rabbits, making them a great choice for areas where these pests are a problem.
Versatile: Hyacinths can be grown in garden beds and borders, in containers, or even forced indoors for winter blooms. They also make excellent cut flowers, adding fragrance and color indoors.
Historical and Cultural Significance: With a history dating back to ancient Greece and a prominent place in Dutch horticulture, growing hyacinths connects your garden to a rich botanical history.
Overall, Hyacinthus orientalis is a reliable and valuable addition to any spring garden with its ease of growth, brilliant blooms, enticing fragrance, and ability to attract pollinators.
Guide Information
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs |
| Genus | Hyacinthus |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid) |
| Height |
8" - 10" (20cm - 30cm) |
| Spread | 4" (10cm) |
| Spacing |
5" - 6" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Depth |
4" - 6" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Most popular Hyacinth varieties
Garden Design with Hyacinth Flowers
Hyacint, with its vibrant colors and sweet fragrance, can be a stunning addition to your garden design. Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate them into your garden:
Spring Bulb Display: Plant hyacinths in groups or clusters in garden beds or borders along with other spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocus. This will provide a succession of color as different plants bloom.
Container Plantings: Hyacinths work well in pots and containers due to their compact growth habit. You can create a multi-layered bulb display in large pots with hyacinths, tulips, and smaller bulbs like crocus or grape hyacinth for extended bloom time.
Rock Gardens: Hyacinths can be used in rock gardens where their bright flowers contrast beautifully with the rocks and their low foliage blends well with other rock garden plants.
Pathway Edges: Line walkways or garden paths with hyacinths to create a fragrant journey through your garden. Their low height makes them perfect for bordering paths.
Indoor Forcing: Hyacinths are excellent candidates for forcing blooms indoors during the winter. Plant bulbs in pots and expose them to cold temperatures to induce dormancy, then move them indoors for early spring blooms.
Cut Flower Garden: If you love fresh flowers in your home, dedicate a part of your garden to hyacinths and other spring bulbs for cut flowers. The strong fragrance of hyacinths makes them a great choice for indoor bouquets.
Pollinator Garden: Include hyacinths in a garden designed to attract bees and other pollinators. Their fragrant flowers are a good early nectar source.
Remember, hyacinths look best when planted in groups or clusters of the same color, rather than mixed colors. Also, as with all bulbous plants, after the hyacinths have flowered, allow the foliage to die back naturally as this process helps the bulb store energy for the next year’s blooms.
Companion Plants
Hyacinth pairs well with many other spring-blooming plants. Here are some good companion plants:
Daffodils (Narcissus): With similar bloom times, daffodils and hyacinths can be planted together to create a colorful spring display. The taller daffodils provide a nice contrast to the shorter hyacinths.
Tulips (Tulipa): Tulips and hyacinths bloom at around the same time and have a wide range of colors that can be coordinated for stunning displays.
Grape Hyacinths (Muscari): The small, bell-shaped flowers and narrow leaves of grape hyacinths contrast nicely with the larger flowers and broader leaves of hyacinths.
Primroses (Primula): Primroses offer low-growing, early-spring color that works well with the taller, later-blooming hyacinths.
Pansies (Viola): Pansies provide a carpet of color that nicely sets off the vertical accents of the hyacinths. They can handle the cool temperatures of early spring when hyacinths are in bloom.
Spring Starflower (Ipheion uniflorum): This delicate, low-growing flower offers star-shaped blooms that look lovely when paired with the more substantial hyacinth blooms.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis): These perennials start growing in spring and can help cover the fading foliage of hyacinths after they’ve finished blooming.
Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra): These woodland plants, with their unique heart-shaped flowers and attractive foliage, provide a nice contrast to the shape and structure of hyacinth flowers.
Remember to consider factors like light requirements, soil preferences, and hardiness zones when choosing companion plants. Hyacinths prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and they are hardy in zones 4-8.
Growing Tips
Hyacinth is an easy-to-grow bulbous perennial that provides beautiful and fragrant spring blooms. Here are some tips to successfully grow this plant:
Planting: Hyacinth bulbs are typically planted in the fall before the first frost. They should be planted in moderately fertile, well-drained soil at a depth of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), with the pointy end facing upwards. Space your hyacinth bulbs about 5-6 inches apart (12-15 cm). For best visual impact, plant your hyacinths in groups of 5-9 bulbs. In containers, place your bulbs 4 inches deep (10 cm) and about 3 inches (7 cm) apart. Do not allow the bulbs to touch.
Sunlight: Hyacinths prefer full sun to partial shade. Best flowering occurs with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Watering: Water hyacinths generously after planting. During the growing season, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once they’ve finished blooming, you can reduce watering.
Fertilizing: During the growing season, inorganic fertilizers are the best choice since they contain the exact proportions and concentrations of nutrients. They also dissolve easily, so that plants can absorb them more efficiently. Be careful not to apply too much inorganic fertilizer; excessively rapid growth results in weak plants that are then more vulnerable to diseases and pests. Applying too much fertilizer can also burn plants.
After Bloom Care: After the flowers have faded, cut off the spent flower stalks but leave the leaves to die back naturally. This allows the plant to store energy for next year’s blooms. Do not tie or braid the leaves, as this can hinder photosynthesis.
Dividing: Over time, hyacinth bulbs may produce baby bulbs, or offsets, which can lead to overcrowding. You can divide these bulbs every few years in the late summer or early fall to maintain vigorous growth.
Forcing Bulbs: Hyacinths can also be forced to bloom indoors during winter. For this, plant the bulbs in pots, water them, then place them in a cool, dark place for a chilling period of about 8-16 weeks. After the chilling period, move them into a warmer, well-lit area to stimulate growth and blooming.
Pests and Diseases: Hyacinths are relatively pest-free. However, gray mold (botrytis) and bulb rot can sometimes be a problem, particularly if the soil is poorly drained.
Remember, all parts of the hyacinth plant can cause skin irritation, and the bulbs can be harmful if eaten, so handle them with care, especially around children and pets.
Garden Examples
Photography Cornwall, Shutterstock
Guide Information
| Hardiness |
4 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs |
| Genus | Hyacinthus |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid) |
| Height |
8" - 10" (20cm - 30cm) |
| Spread | 4" (10cm) |
| Spacing |
5" - 6" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Depth |
4" - 6" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
