How to Grow Hyacinthus Orientalis

Hyacinthus orientalis, also called hyacinth, is a perennial in the lily family. Growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9, it blooms showy, fragrant flowers in vibrant colors such as purple, pink, orange and yellow on a 12-inch stalk. They add elegance to a garden of other spring-blooming flowers such as tulips. Growing them in your landscape begins with planting the bulbs in the fall two months before the first frost and when the ground is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Garden fork
Compost
Shovel
Mulch
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Choose an area that receives full sunlight with some afternoon shade and has well-drained soil.
- 2
  Loosen the soil with a garden fork to a depth of 12 to 15 inches. Amend the soil by mixing in a 4-inch layer of compost with the native soil.
- 3
  Dig a hole for the hyacinth bulb 6 to 8 inches deep. Place the bulb into the hole with the pointy end up. Cover firmly with soil.
- 4
  Continue planting the hyacinth bulbs, spacing them 4 to 6 inches apart. Water the planting area thoroughly. Cover with a 4-inch layer of mulch to protect the bulbs during the winter months.
- 5
  Water the bulbs during times of drought up until the first frost to encourage the roots to grow. Water during the spring and summer months, once the hyacinths begin to grow, 1 inch a week if rainfall is inadequate.
- 6
  Cut back the flower stalks once the bloom season has ended, allowing the foliage to die naturally.

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