common hyacinth

Also known as: hyacinth

A bulbous perennial to around 30cm high, with strap-shaped, channeled, glossy leaves. In spring, produces a dense cylindrical spike of fragrant, waxy, tubular bell-shaped flowers, pale violet at the base and near white above

Scientific classification

Species: common hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Genus: Hyacinthus
Family: Asparagaceae

Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Bulbs · Conservatory Greenhouse · Houseplants
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0-0.1 metre
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Columnar upright
Habit: Spring
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

common hyacinth pictures

Distribution of common hyacinth

Distribution map

Turkey to Israel

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of common hyacinth

Information to be completed

common hyacinth care guide

Keep soil moist but well-drained
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep soil moist but well-drained

Fertilizing

Every two weeks during growing season

Pruning

No pruning required; cut spent flower stems back to the base

Propagation

Propagate by division, separating offsets when dormant in summer

Growing

Grow in moderately fertile soil with good drainage. Will tolerate partial shade but will not flower as well as in full sun. Protect container-grown plants from hard frosts and excess wet. Specially treated bulbs are available for earlier flowering indoors. See hyacinth cultivation for more detailed advice

More growing and care information →

Common pests and diseases

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal infections, including hyacinth fire, blue mould rot and sclerotinia diseases, to bacterial soft rot and hyacinth yellows, and to some virus diseases