Bulbs & tubersHyacinthus orientalis
Common Hyacinth
The hyacinth is a beloved spring-flowering bulb with dense, cone-shaped flower clusters that release an intoxicatingly sweet fragrance. In March and April, blooms appear in blue, pink, or white above the stiff, glossy foliage. Hyacinths are perfect for borders, pots, and indoor forcing. The bulbs return each year, though the trusses become slightly looser.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 20–30 cm
- Spread
- 10–15 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–8
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- blue, pink, white
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant bulbs in autumn (October-November) at about 10 cm depth in well-drained soil. Choose a sunny to lightly shaded spot. Water at planting and only during dry spells thereafter. Feed after flowering with a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser to nourish the bulb for next year.
Pruning tips
Remove the spent flower but leave the foliage until it has fully yellowed — it feeds the bulb. Do not cut back yellowed leaves until six weeks after flowering. Resist the urge to tidy up early, as this weakens the bulb.
Good companions
Bulbs & tubersMuscari armeniacum
Grape Hyacinth
Grape hyacinths are charming, small bulbs that produce dense clusters of cobalt-blue, bell-shaped flowers in March and April. They release a light, sweet fragrance and naturalise effortlessly, returning in ever-larger groups each year. Ideal for naturalising in lawns, under trees, or as edging along paths.
Bulbs & tubersAllium giganteum
Giant Allium
Giant allium is a striking bulb plant with large, globe-shaped purple flower heads on sturdy stems. The blooms appear in May and June and attract plenty of bees and butterflies. The dried seed heads remain decorative in the border well into autumn.
Bulbs & tubersTulipa gesneriana
Garden Tulip
The Garden Tulip is the icon of the Dutch spring, with chalice-shaped flowers in virtually every imaginable colour. It blooms in April and May, transforming borders and pots into a colourful spectacle. Tulip bulbs are planted in autumn and reward with a reliable spring display.