Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis
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Common Name: Dutch Hyacinth  
Plant photo of: Hyacinthus orientalis
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Blue, Lavender, Pink, Purple, Red, Yellow, White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Constant

 

Leaf Color

Green, Blue Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Mediterranean

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Modesto Jr. College/Jacob
  • Description

  • Notes

Dutch hyacinth are a spring blooming perennial bulb, with big strappy leaves and blossoms that are made up of many little flowers stacked together along a short stalk. Most are fragrant, so place them where you will go past them in the spring, such as along a walkway or path. They typically bloom early to mid spring, and are generally 7 to 11 inches tall and have several flowering stems per bulb. Bulb experts Brent and Becky Heath list hyacinths as being good in containers and for cutting, and to plan on 5 bulbs per square foot, for a good show.
Grow in well drained soil, a bit loamy to coarse, in full sun. Wet soils will cause the bulb to rot. Plant 3 times deeper than the bulb is wide (see Guide). After flowering, snip off the spent blossom and its stem, leaving the foliage alone until it is well past yellow and prostrate on the ground. Hyacinth bulbs are have a powdery substance on them that can cause some skin irritation when handled. Wear gloves, and wash the gloves and your hands after planting. Hardy to USDA Zone 4.