Hyacinthus orientalis (Hyacinth) – Fragrant White Flowering Bulbs (3 Plants in a Floral Trough)

Hyacinths bring a sweet, heavy scent and tidy spikes of white flowers to the house in late winter, and this floral trough arrives with 3 white hyacinth bulbs already planted and growing together in it. Hyacinthus orientalis is one of the best-loved scented spring bulbs, so it makes a welcome gift or a centrepiece for a table or windowsill.

Each bulb sends up a single upright stem with a dense spike of white flowers above bright green, strap-like leaves. The flowers open from February to April and are noted for their fragrance. These are prepared bulbs that have been brought on for early flowering, so a bright, cool room gives the longest display. A warm room makes the stems flop and shortens the show.

The 3 plants arrive growing in the decorative trough, so there is no planting to do. Stand it somewhere bright and cool indoors, keep the compost moist but never waterlogged, and keep it inside until the frosts have passed. Once flowering has finished, let the foliage die back naturally. The bulbs can then be planted out in the garden, where they are fully hardy and will flower again in spring, though the spikes come looser and smaller than the first year.

Hyacinth bulbs can irritate the skin and are not to be eaten, and they are recorded as a skin irritant for pets too, so wear gloves when handling them.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Hyacinth
• Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis
• Growth Habit: Upright, single-stemmed with a dense floral spike
• Perfect For: Windowsills, tables, gifts and spring displays
• Foliage: Bright green, strap-like leaves
• Flowering Time: February to April
• Flower Colour: White
• Planting Position: Bright, cool position indoors while flowering
• Hardiness: Keep indoors until the frosts have passed; after flowering the bulbs can be planted out in the garden, where they are fully hardy
• Maintenance: Keep compost moist but not waterlogged; let the foliage die back naturally after flowering
• Seasonal Interest: Late winter to spring
• Type: Prepared flowering bulbs