Hyacinthus orientalis

A spring-blooming bulb native to the eastern Mediterranean, cultivated for centuries for its dense, intensely fragrant flower racemes. Each bulb produces a single stout spike crowded with star-shaped florets in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, or white. Foliage is strap-like and dies back completely by early summer, leaving the bulb dormant through the heat of the season.

Hardy to zone 4; reliable in zone 6b gardens with minimal care once planted in a well-draining spot.

Care

Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of three times their diameter, pointed end up, in full sun and well-draining soil. Wet winter soil is the primary cause of bulb failure — amend clay soils or choose a raised position. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally so the bulb can store energy for the following year. Deadhead the spent flower spike but leave the leaves. Bulbs gradually naturalize, producing smaller offsets each year; clumps can be divided in late summer dormancy and replanted.

Avoid heavy fertilization, which promotes soft growth prone to rot.

Garden Notes