Hyacinthus orientalis aka Hyacinth

Hyacinthus orientalis is the common, garden, or Dutch hyacinth. This bulbous perennial belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Its native range runs from southern Turkey to northern Israel. It grows among rocks in Turkey, including high mountain sites. The plant grows in a temperate climate. Its leaves die back as the bulb enters dormancy.

Garden plants stand about 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.3 metres] tall. They spread about 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres]. RHS gives a broader height range reaching 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. NC State also reports an outlying spread of 3 feet [0.9 metres]. Its formal size table gives the smaller spread above. Thick, green leaves grow from the base in an upright clump. They have a glossy surface and a channel along their length. A firm flower stalk rises above the leaves.

The stalk bears a dense raceme of small, waxy flowers. Each tubular or bell-shaped flower has six spreading lobes. The scent is strong and may trouble people sensitive to smells. Garden forms offer blue, pink, purple, red, white, and other shades. Flowers appear from March to May, depending on the source. NC State reports a bloom lasting two to three weeks. Bees visit the flowers. Round seed capsules form after bloom and split into three sections. Ants carry the seeds into their nests, where some may sprout.

Grow hyacinths in full sun for the best flower display. They tolerate some shade, but flowering may decline. Use fertile soil that drains well, across a wide pH range. Keep soil moist after planting and through spring growth. Reduce watering after bloom as the bulbs become dormant. Sources rate hardiness as USDA zones 4–8 and UK H4. Protect pots from hard frost and excess wet. Plant groups in beds, borders, rock gardens, or beside paths. Bulbs also suit pots and forced indoor winter displays. Flowers supply oil for perfume and a blue dye.

Care needs are low, though blooms may weaken in later years. Divide offsets during summer dormancy and remove spent flower stalks. Poor drainage can cause bulb rot. Slugs, snails, bulb mites, and bulb flies may cause damage. Fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases can also occur. No edible or medicinal uses are known. All parts are poisonous, with most toxins in the bulbs. Dogs, cats, and horses can also suffer poisoning. Sap may irritate skin; wear gloves when handling bulbs.