Hyacinthus orientalis

Hyacinthus orientalis

 

Common name: common hyacinth

Family: Asparagaceae

Leaf: 3-4 strap-shaped green leaves in early spring

Flowers: early spring, stiff, densely flowered spike of very fragrant flowers. Hybrid cultivars  are available in blue, purple, pink, red, white

Habit: flowering bulb; Form: low mounding

Height: 0.5-1'; Spread: 0.25-0.5

Culture: Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers organically rich soils. Tolerates some light shade. Plant bulbs 4-5” deep in mid fall. Soils should be kept moist immediately after planting to encourage root growth. Also keep soils moist during the spring growing season, but you can lessen moisture as the bulb goes toward dormancy. Deadhead spent flower spikes so plants do not need to expend energy on seed production. Bulbs are commonly grown in containers, especially when forced for indoor winter bloom. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Uses: containers, Group or mass in beds, borders, rock gardens, along walks. Effectively mixes with other spring flowering bulbs. Even in a lawn. Force bulbs for indoor winter flowers.

Origin: Central and southern Turkey, northwestern Syria, Lebanon