Hyacinthus orientalis are one of our favorite bulb groups for many reasons. They are available in many shades of colors except for true red and green. For gardeners who plant gardens according to specific color combinations, Hyacinths should be high on the list of possibilities to consider!
Hyacinths for Aromatherapy Gardens
The fragrance of Hyacinth flowers is so wonderful. The area where they are blooming, whether they are near your front door, along the pathway to the garage or around your patio, can become your new “aromatherapy garden.” There is plenty of new information about how pleasing fragrances can help relieve stress and improve our mental state. That is reason enough to utilize these lovely fragrant flowers in as many areas as possible!
Hyacinths for Pollinator Gardens
Pollinators adore the many tubular florets that cover each stem of the Hyacinth flower. If you plant areas specifically to benefit our treasured pollinators, Hyacinths are certainly one type of bulb to add into the mix. No, they are not native, but they bloom in early spring when the choices of flowers from which to gather nectar can be scarce. Hyacinth flowers help sustain the early pollinators until more choices are available for them.
Hyacinths also “plays well with others” in the garden, as they can be the stars of the show like they are in the image on the left, or act as the support team in the image on the right.
What to Expect When Growing Hyacinth Bulbs
The first year that Hyacinths are in bloom, the florets within their full flower appear to be “big” or “fat”—at least that’s what our customers often say! The second year, they have the same colors and the same fragrance, but they look like the Hyacinths that our grandmothers grew— more like a native flower, which is appealing to some.
Hyacinths are not pest proof, but they do contain a type of “stringent” or irritant, which makes them less-than-ideal for some of our plant-eating critters.
Forcing Hyacinth Bulbs
Hyacinths are also the perfect bulb for forcing or growing in containers. In our on-site retail store, the Bulb Shoppe, as well as in many good garden centers in your area, you may find containers with pre-planted and pre-rooted Hyacinths for your indoor pleasure, or to have on your deck or patio.
They are also fun for DIY projects using pre-cooled bulbs offered in our catalogue, which includes instructions for how to have them in bloom indoors in January or February. Alternatively, you may find pre-cooled bulbs in your local garden center that you can also force indoors to enjoy during the winter holidays.
With so many choices of colors, there are plenty of options for whatever your gardening needs may be. We’re sure you’ll adore their lovely, fragrant flowers! Find plenty of Hyacinth bulbs for sale in our online catalogue, ready for fall planting or forcing indoors.
