About
A perennial bulb, to around 25cm high, with broadly strap-shaped, upright green leaves. Dense, cylindrical clusters of scented, waxy, pink double flowers are produced in spring.
About the genus
Hyacinthus are bulbous perennial with glossy, broadly strap-shaped leaves and fragrant, bell-shaped flowers with recurved petals, borne in loose or dense racemes in spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
FragranceFlower
ToxicitySkin irritant, Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Pets: Skin irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil with good drainage. Will tolerate partial shade but flowering is best in full sun. Protect container-grown plants from hard frosts and excess winter wet. Specially treated bulbs can be grown indoors for earlier flowering. See hyacinth cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningNo pruning required; cut spent flower stems back to the base
PropagationPropagate by division, separating offsets when dormant in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal infections, bacterial soft rot and hyacinth yellows, and to some virus diseases