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.
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.
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.
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 |
Photography Cornwall, Shutterstock
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 |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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