Hyacinthus orientalis
( hye - uh - SINTH - us )
At-A-Glance InformationThese perennial flowers grow from bulbs, and are also called Common Hyacinth. These Mediterranean natives need full sun and regular waterings during their growth and blooming periods. Handling their bulbs may cause skin irritation, so take precautions when planting and dividing these fragrant beauties. The colorful flowers appear in springtime, rising on stems that sprout from a bundle of bright green leaves. Species take various forms, and are great for containers, beds, and naturalizing in large areas.
|
Hyacinthus orientalis Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for these bulbs vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Dutch Hybrids These flowers, derived from Hyacinthus orientalis, reach a foot tall and have strap-like leaves. Flower spikes are large, and hold numerous waxy blooms. Flowers can come in white, cream, buff, pink, salmon, yellow, red, blue or purple. These hybrids are wonderful for container plantings. |
Hyacinthus orientalis albulus (Roman or French Roman Hybrids) This group of hybrids are native to the South of France and are smaller than their Dutch relatives, but will bloom earlier in the season. Each bulb will produce a few slender stems reaching about a foot tall. Flowers come in white, pale blue, or pink. This group is best for naturalizing in large areas and will thrive best in areas that have warmer winter temperatures. They can be left in place in zones 4-24. |
Caring for Hyacinthus orientalis
Handling their bulbs may cause skin irritation, so take precautions when planting and dividing. In cold-temperature regions (where temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit), plant bulbs in early fall. In warmer-winter regions, plant in mid-fall. These flowers love organically-enriched soil that is sandy and well-draining. Larger bulbs (Dutch hybrids) should be set 4-5 inches deep and 5 inches apart and smaller bulbs (the Roman hybrids) should be planted 4-5 inches apart at a depth of three inches. Fertilize just when blooms are starting to fade, remove the flower spikes and water regularly until leaves turn yellow.
If you are growing Hyacinth in a container, provide with a porous potting mix and bury the bulb so the tip is just under the surface of the soil. Keep mulched until growth begins, then remove top covering and place the bulbs in full sun.
If you are growing Hyacinth in a container, provide with a porous potting mix and bury the bulb so the tip is just under the surface of the soil. Keep mulched until growth begins, then remove top covering and place the bulbs in full sun.
Propagation
Handling their bulbs may cause skin irritation, so take precautions when planting and dividing
Problems and Pests
Handling their bulbs may cause skin irritation, so take precautions when planting and dividing
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
|
Propagating camellias
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 367, Hyacinthus orientalis
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!