Latin Name: Hyacinthus orientalis
A variety of colours available! Spring show! Strong fragrance!
This bulb is easy to grow and difficult to kill (even if you don't have a green thumb).
Like other bulbs, if it doesn't pop-up in Spring, it probably didn't die -
It is more likely that a squirrel stole it.
Photo Credit: Missouri Botanical Gardens
● Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4-9 (Veseys)
(USDA Zone: 4-8, according to MBG)
● Plant Type: Spring Bulb
● Bloom Time: April
● Bloom Colour: Blue, purple, pink, red, and white
● Maintenance: Low
● Water Use: Medium
"If I buy you, bring you home, stick you in the ground, water you and love you -
and you DIE on me - either I didn't do my research OR - you're a sh*t plant."
- a Motivational Speech for plants
Benefits
What makes this plant beneficial to people, places, animals or our environment?
EASY for people to grow.
Easy for squirrels to steal.
Bright pop of colours in Spring to help usher out those winter blues.
Characteristics
What does it LOOK like?
Many colours available.
Densely covered spikes of flowers shoot up from compact, patches of grass-like leaves.
These bulbs are STRONGLY SCENTED.
Height: 6-10 inches
Spread: 3-6 inches
Photo Credit: Vesys Bulbs
Ideal Growing Conditions
Where does it GROW?
These bulbs will grow just about anywhere as long as they are not sitting in water - bulbs may rot if they stay too wet for too long.
Plant in well-drained soils in Full Sun.
Flower quality may reduce after the first year and may need to be replaced every two-three years (that is, if after two or three years a squirrel hasn't already stolen it).
Pests/Diseases/Issues
Does this plant attract deer, mosquitos or Japanese beetles? Is it susceptible to blight, leaf spot or root rot?
Bulbs may rot if they sit in too much water or if soil is too wet.
Deer & Rabbit -Tolerant
ATTRACTS SQUIRRELS!!!
Photo Credit: Canadale Nurseries
In the Garden/Home/Landscape
Why did I choose to spend my time writing about this particular plant?
Plant in groupings or masses of odd numbers for the best show.
Excellent option for Spring Planters
Plant along walkways or within Rock Gardens
Bulbs can be forced and enjoyed as indoor winter flowers
Can be used as a cut flower in vase (if you don't find the scent too strong)
Great option to use in business displays at conferences or shows to add colour.
Tips, Tricks and Notes
Replace/renew bulbs every 2-3 years.
Use manure to keep squirrels away or plant in bulb cages.
Plant this bulb in the FALL and ensure the bottom is approx. 6" below the soil line.
In the Spring, cut and remove flowers once they die back so the bulb can conserve energy for the following season.
There is a native hyacinth to Ontario called a "Wild Hyacinth (Camassia scilloides). It grows in shade, requires rich soil and is a threatened species in Ontario. If you know of a company who supplies this plant - LET ME KNOW!
Other Resources:
Baseline Nurseries, London Ontario CANADA: http://baselinenurseries.com/
Heeman's, London Ontario CANADA: https://store.heeman.ca/
Parkway Garden Centre, London Ontario CANADA: https://parkwaygardens.ca/
Canadale Nurseries, St. Thomas Ontario CANADA: https://canadale.ca/
Ontario Native Plants Online, CANADA: https://onplants.ca/
Native Plants in Claremont, Ontario CANADA: https://www.nativeplants.ca/
Heritage Perennials in Canada: www.perennials.com
Bamboo Plants in Canada: https://www.bambooplants.ca/full-plant-list/
Missouri Botanical Garden Online: www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
Proven Winners Online: https://www.provenwinners.com/
This is just one plant of SO MANY!
Stay tuned for a new post each week that summarizes an Annual, Perennial, Bulb, Shrub or Tree!
Weekly #FridayFeatureFlower At the top is the pep talk I give my new plants before purchasing them.
I have had a lot dead plants and broken-hearts over the years and I hope that this weekly feature will provide a bit of the research side to help others from suffering my same fate.
~ LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES ~
The main focus of this blog is plants that thrive outdoors in Southwestern Ontario.
Each week, I’ll review benefits, characteristics, growing conditions, Pests/Diseases/Issues and landscape/garden design applications of one of my favourite, high-impact, low-maintenance plants!
I want your Feedback!
Have you had a different experience with this plant?
Love it? Hate it? Want to know where you can find it? Is there a plant or flower you would like to know more about?
Leave your comments below
or contact me through my website: www.mylandscapeartist.ca
Heather Jerrard, My Landscape Artist
Follow me on Instagram! @mylandscapeartist
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