Hyacinthus is a small genus of bulbous herbs, spring-blooming perennials. They are fragrant flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae and are commonly called hyacinths. An old-fashioned spring-flowering bulb, Hyacinth is valued for its waxy, sweet-smelling flowers that come in colors ranging from pale pastels to intense shades of blue and purple. The spiky blooms rise above compact clumps of narrow, strappy leaves. Plant hyacinth bulbs in October and November for a repeat performance every spring for many years. Hyacinth is suitable for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9.
Types of Hyacinth
Dutch Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis): The most common type of hyacinth, known for its fragrant flowers in various colors such as blue, white, pink, and purple. It is native to Southwest Asia and is popular as a garden ornamental.
Wood Hyacinth (Scilla siberica): Also known as Spanish Bluebells, these plants have bell-shaped flowers hanging from tall, slender stems. They are available in shades of blue, pink, and white and thrive in shaded areas, creating a charming woodland display.
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes): A free-floating aquatic plant native to tropical South America. It features broad, thick, glossy leaves that extend up to 1-meter height above the water, supported by long, spongy, and bulbous stalks. They produce stunning, mauve-blue flowers during the blooming season.
Roman Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis): A less hardy and smaller blue- or white-petalled variety derived from the common hyacinth. These flowers need full sunlight and moderate watering.
Hyacinthus litwinovii: A wild species with widely spaced flowers, typically having six to eight flowers per raceme. It grows to a height of 15-20 cm (6-8 in).
Hyacinth ‘Blue Jacket’: Originates from the Netherlands, known for its deep blue flowers.
Hyacinth ‘Pink Pearl’: A Dutch variety with delicate pink blooms.
Hyacinth ‘Delft Blue’: Another Dutch variety, featuring vibrant blue flowers.
Hyacinth ‘White Pearl’: Known for its pure white flowers, also from the Netherlands.
Hyacinth ‘Woodstock’: A Dutch variety with bright magenta flowers.
Hyacinth ‘City of Haarlem’: Originates from the Netherlands, with deep purple flowers.
Hyacinth ‘Jan Bos’: A Dutch variety with light blue flowers.
Hyacinth ‘Pink Surprise’: Known for its pink and white striped flowers, also from the Netherlands.
Hyacinth ‘Gypsy Queen’: Features light pink flowers, originating from the Netherlands.
Hyacinth ‘Blue Festival’: A Dutch variety with rich blue flowers.
Hyacinth ‘Carnegie’: Known for its deep purple flowers, also from the Netherlands.
Hyacinth ‘Pink Diamond’: Features bright pink flowers, originating from the Netherlands.
Hyacinth ‘Blue Magic’: A Dutch variety with vibrant blue flowers.
Hyacinth ‘Woodstock’: Known for its bright magenta flowers, also from the Netherlands.
Hyacinth ‘City of Haarlem’: Features deep purple flowers, originating from the Netherlands
Planting Hyacinths
- Prepare a garden spot where the hyacinths receive full or partial sunlight. Hyacinth thrives in nearly any well-drained soil.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 to 14 inches, using a spade, tiller or garden fork. Dig in 2 to 4 inches of compost or decomposed manure.
- Mix a general-purpose fertilizer into the soil at planting time. Use bulb fertilizer, applied at a rate of 5 tablespoons of fertilizer for every 10 square feet of planting area. In addition, mix in 2 cups of bone meal. Repeat the process as soon as the plants sprout in spring. Dig the material into the soil around the plant, then water deeply.
- Dig a hole about 6 to 8 inches deep. Place the hyacinth bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up. Allow approximately 4 to 6 inches between each bulb.
- Fill the hole with soil. Pat the soil firmly around the bulb, but don’t pack it tightly.
- Water the area immediately, providing enough moisture to soak the bulbs. Water settles the soil and provides moisture the bulbs require to develop roots during the coming winter. Thereafter, water hyacinths deeply once every week beginning when buds appear on the plants in spring. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, as hyacinth bulbs rot in continually soggy soil or standing water.
- Cut the flower stalks after blooming to keep the plant looking neat. Leave the foliage in place until it dies and turns yellow, as the green leaves provide energy required for the bulbs to bloom the following spring.