Hyacinthus orientalis aka Hyacinth

Taxonomy

Hyacinthus orientalis, also known as the common hyacinth, garden hyacinth, or Dutch hyacinth, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asparagaceae family. This fragrant spring flower is native to southwestern Asia, southern and central Turkey, northwestern Syria, Lebanon, and northern Israel, but was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. Today, it is widely cultivated all over the world, and frequently forced to flower at Christmas time. The plant has long and narrow dark green leaves and produces bell-shaped clusters of blooms that can range from white to deep purple. Hyacinthus orientalis is a hardy, perennial, bulbous herb that grows easily in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. While it can be grown in USDA zone 4 with mulch, it does well in higher zones without mulch. With its lovely appearance and wonderful fragrance, this plant is sure to brighten any garden.

Common names

Hyacinth, Common Hyacinth

How to care for Hyacinth

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Hyacinth, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Hyacinth should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Hyacinth loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Hyacinth prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Hyacinth is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Hyacinth. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Hyacinth is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Hyacinth is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.

Region of origin

Hyacinth’s native range is the eastern Mediterranean.

Flower

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Hyacinth blooming.


More info:
Wikipedia