Hyacinths, with their unmistakable presence in gardens and Easter celebrations, evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. As symbols of peace, commitment, and beauty, they’ve earned a special place in the hearts of many. The sweet fragrance they release is simply an added bonus for anyone who’s fortunate enough to grow them.
Despite their rich history, hyacinths are surprisingly easy-going and adaptable.
Whether you’re looking to add some color to your indoor space or create a vibrant display outdoors, these spring-blooming perennials from the Hyacinthus genus can thrive in a wide range of environments – from pots to borders, beds, and even water.
Get to Know Hyacinths
Hyacinths originated from the eastern Mediterranean region, where they were valued by the Ottoman Empire prior to European discovery in the 1500s. Following their introduction to the Western world, they quickly gained popularity and by the 1700s had become a beloved and widely cultivated plant. Interestingly, the Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) is often mistaken for true hyacinths, but it belongs to the Liliaceae family.
Similarly, the invasive Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) from the Pontederiaceae family should not be confused with true hyacints, nor should wild Camas (Camassia scilloides), which is actually a lily and goes by the common name camas. Despite their common association with lilies, hyacinths are actually part of the Asparagaceae family – yes, they’re related to asparagus! However, they’re not edible.
In fact, there are only three species of true hyacinth: litwinovii, transcaspicus, and orientalis. Any plant that doesn’t fit into these species is not a true hyacinth. These original species serve as the foundation for modern garden hybrids and cultivars, often referred to as Dutch hyacinths. Hyacinths are characterized by their distinctive tiered clusters of small star-shaped flowers, which come in single, double, or multiflora varieties.
Single types feature tightly packed, single-blossom florets, while double types boast densely packed, double-blossom florets with more petals. Multiflora types, on the other hand, have loose flower heads rather than a single stem.
10 Magnificent Types
Whether you’re looking to coax vibrant blooms from seedlings in your living room or cultivate a stunning display in your outdoor garden, the following Dutch hyacinth varieties are sure to impress. This curated selection boasts a range of options catering to various goals and preferences, ensuring there’s something for every discerning gardener.
Delft Blue
The ‘Delft Blue’ hyacinth is a stunning variety that boasts vibrant blue tones and lush green foliage. This award-winning beauty has earned the esteemed Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Its compact size, measuring 8-12 inches in height and four inches wide, makes it an ideal choice for cut flower arrangements and mid-spring bouquets. For maximum visual impact, plant ‘Delft Blue’ hyacinths in groups.
This classic variety thrives in a range of settings, including pots, borders, beds, window boxes, and containers, in zones 4-8. It’s also an excellent choice for early forcing and, when planted in a garden bed, may naturalize over time if left unpruned.
Carnegie
The ‘Carnegie’ hyacinth is a showstopper, boasting bright white blooms with perfectly tiered florets and vibrant green foliage. It’s an ideal choice for beginners, as it’s easy to grow and maintain. The flowers last up to three weeks from mid-spring, making them perfect for arrangements and bouquets. As the plant matures, it reaches heights of 8-12 inches and spreads 3-4 inches wide. ‘Carnegie’ is versatile and can thrive in a variety of containers, pots, beds, and borders.
For maximum impact, plant at least five bulbs together. With proper conditions, this beauty will bloom in Zones 4-8.
Pink Pearl
What sets ‘Pink Pearl’ hyacinth apart is its bold departure from the traditional blues and whites of this flower. Its vibrant pink hue is reminiscent of a fluffy serving of cotton candy, which explains why it’s earned worldwide acclaim. This showstopper boasts striking green foliage that forms neat clusters, spreading up to four inches in diameter.
A favorite among florists, flower farmers, and home decor enthusiasts alike, ‘Pink Pearl’ typically reaches its full bloom halfway through the spring season. For those in Zones 4-8, it can even naturalize on its own, while containers and pots provide a means of keeping it from spreading too far.
Anna Liza
‘Anna Liza’ is a vintage-style hyacinth that proudly maintains traditional characteristics, boasting two-tone lavender pink florets arranged in a striking pinstripe pattern. This variety excels as a potting gift or cut flower, offering an early bloom period from late winter to late spring, depending on the temperature. The unique blue-green foliage complements its old-world charm, setting it apart from other varieties.
Reaching 10-18 inches in height and spreading up to four inches, this hyacinth thrives when planted en masse in Zones 4-9, creating a stunning display.
City of Haarlem
Haarlem’s soft, pastel cream to yellow hue brings to mind the nostalgic treats from our childhood, minus the sugary topping. This variety of hyacinth is an early bloomer, bursting forth with individual florets in late winter. As it matures, ‘City of Haarlem’ reaches 12 inches tall and spreads four inches wide. Its reliability as a forcer makes it an excellent choice for those seeking to coax blooms from their bulbs outside of the typical growing season.
The fragrance is equally impressive, delivering a potent punch that’s sure to win over even the most discerning senses. I’ve made a mental note to prioritize this variety in my own hyacinth-growing endeavors.
Jan Bos
Jan Bos Dutch hyacinths are a standout choice for those seeking vibrant, long-lasting color. Unlike many varieties that undergo significant color changes as they mature, this variety retains its bold, reddish-pink hue throughout. With blooms reaching up to 12 inches in height and four inches in width, ‘Jan Bos’ is sure to make a statement when planted mid-spring. The bonus of strong green foliage ensures year-round visual interest for gardeners in Zones 4-8.
For those seeking a pop of color, this reliable performer is an excellent option.
Top White
White blooms on sturdy stems, set against lush greenery and emitting a subtle fragrance, characterize ‘Top White’ hyacinths. This variety boasts a unique combination of dimensions – slightly shorter and wider than traditional Dutch varieties at 7-11 inches tall with a three to five-inch spread. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for wedding celebrations, whether used in decorative planters on tables or as the crowning glory of a bridal bouquet.
Moreover, ‘Top White’ thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making it a practical and beautiful addition to any garden or event space.
Miss Saigon
As you gaze upon this captivating hyacinth, the soft, lilac-to-purple hue seems to mesmerize, drawing you in with an almost irresistible allure. This exquisite specimen is renowned for its intoxicating scent, earning it a reputation as a top choice among growers of these beautiful flowers. With a mature height of around 10-12 inches and a width of four inches, this hardy variety thrives in cooler climates, tolerating temperatures as low as those found in Zones 2-8.
Gipsy Queen
The ‘Gipsy Queen’ cultivar boasts a striking appearance, featuring smokey salmon hues with a subtle golden center in each star-shaped floret. This variety stands out from the crowd due to its unique coloration. When it comes to blooming, ‘Gipsy Queen’ thrives between late winter and mid-spring, provided the right weather and environmental conditions are met. Its compact growth habit makes it an ideal choice for pots and containers. Specifically, this cultivar excels in Zones 5-8.
For areas outside of these zones, pot growing is recommended as plants can be easily moved indoors when winter arrives, ensuring continued health and productivity.
Midnight Mystic
For those who crave mystery and intrigue, ‘Midnight Mystic’ is a standout among traditional hyacinths. Its dark, almost black blooms are a far cry from the usual pink, blue, and white hues. The visual impact would be amplified if paired with varieties like ‘Jan Bos’, creating a showstopping combination that’s sure to turn heads.
As a mid-spring bloomer, ‘Midnight Mystic’ grows between 6-12 inches tall and up to 4 inches across, accompanied by rich green foliage that provides striking contrast. Its hardiness extends to Zones 5-8, but for those outside this range, consider potting the plant and relocating when temperatures become too extreme.
One note of caution: due to its sterile nature, it’s not possible to save seeds from this enchanting variety.
Cultivating Hyacinths
For a spring blooming spectacle, plant your bulbs in the fall after the first frost but before the ground becomes too hard to work. If you’re growing hyacinths in pots, the timeframe is slightly longer – from fall to mid-winter – as long as they can be kept in a cold frame or cool, covered location. It’s essential to provide these bulbs with cold stratification, which occurs naturally in Zones 7 and below.
However, if you don’t experience harsh winters or it’s not winter season, you can replicate the process by storing the bulbs in the fridge. This simulates the cold temperatures that stimulate growth once the weather begins to warm up. When planting, be sure to bury your bulbs at a depth of at least 4-6 inches to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal development.
Growing from Seed
When it comes to Dutch hyacinths, most varieties are hybrids, which means that any seeds produced by the plant won’t necessarily carry over its parent’s characteristics. This unpredictability can be both exciting and intimidating for gardeners, as you never quite know what traits your new plants will exhibit.
For those seeking greater control over the colors and shapes of their hyacinths, purchasing bulbs is a tried-and-true method.
However, for those who enjoy experimenting and embracing the unknown, growing hyacinths from seed can be a thrilling adventure, offering a chance to discover unique and unexpected varieties.
Forcing
When growing bulbs out of their natural season, it’s crucial to keep an eye on moisture levels and provide shade from direct sunlight. For hydroponic systems, ensure the water only reaches the base of the bulb and avoid submersion altogether – excessive moisture can lead to rot. As the two-week mark approaches, you’ll start to notice roots emerging. This unique project is perfect for kids, and the resulting display is nothing short of stunning.
Care
Dutch hyacinths are surprisingly easy-going bulbs that thrive in well-draining soil with full sun or partial shade. They require around six to eight hours of sunlight daily, so avoid planting them in shaded areas. These flowers have average moisture needs, but be mindful of underwatering, which can manifest as droopy foliage or stunted blooms. On the other hand, overwatering is equally detrimental, so strike a balance by keeping the soil barely moist with the surface allowed to dry out slightly.
When planting bulbs, group them together in clusters of more than five for maximum visual impact. However, avoid overcrowding, as this can hinder growth. An exception to this rule applies when growing hyacinths in temporary containers like gift pots or glass vases, where a little short-term crowding is acceptable.
Taller varieties of hyacinths can grow quite top-heavy and may require staking, especially in windy areas or during heavy rainfall.
Staking also helps maintain the plants’ structure when they’re in full bloom.
To encourage regrowth the following spring, remove spent blooms promptly. Hyacinths are known to produce fewer blooms as they age, so deadheading is crucial for maintaining their vitality. Additionally, it’s essential to avoid removing foliage until it has wilted and started turning yellow, about ten weeks after the bloom is done.
Bulblets form throughout the growing season, allowing you to propagate new plants by digging up and separating the bulbs when they’re finished blooming. Store them in a cool place like a fridge or basement during hot summers until fall, when you can replant them in groups.
Hyacinths are adaptable to moderately fertile soil, thriving in a range of conditions from sandy loam to loamy clay.
Pests and Diseases
Hyacinths are relatively pest- and disease-free, but they do require certain conditions to thrive. One major concern is late spring frosts, which can cause black spots on the foliage. While fungal diseases like Botrytis blight can affect hyacinths, bacterial infections such as soft rot or Pectobacterium carotovorum may also be responsible for poor blooming or malformed florets. It’s essential to monitor your plants’ health and address any issues promptly.
Fortunately, deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits tend to avoid hyacinths due to their toxicity. In fact, Dutch hyacinths contain the highest concentration of lycorine and oxalic acid among similar bulbs like tulips and daffodils. As a result, consumption by pets, livestock, or humans is strongly discouraged. When handling hyacinths, it’s crucial to wear gloves as they can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Additionally, keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which are attracted to the juiciness of the foliage and florets despite their toxicity. Lay traps or bait if necessary to prevent any issues from arising.
