Hyacinthus orientalis (Garden Hyacinth) – Scented White Prepared Bulbs (5 Plants in a Leafy Vine Trough)

White hyacinths bring a rich, sweet scent and tightly packed spikes of flowers to the house in late winter, and this ready planted leafy vine trough holds 5 of them, so there is nothing to plant.

Hyacinthus orientalis is a classic spring bulb, and these are prepared bulbs, grown to flower early indoors. Each one sends up a compact, upright spike crowded with pure white blooms, set off by broad, strap-like, bright green leaves. The flowers come from around February into spring.

The 5 hyacinths are growing together in the leafy vine trough and arrive in it, ready for a bright windowsill, a table centrepiece or a porch. Keep them inside in a cool, bright spot until the frosts have passed, because a warm room makes the stems flop and shortens the display. Keep the compost just moist and never let the trough stand in water.

Once the flowers fade, let the foliage die back naturally. The bulbs are fully hardy and can then be planted out in the garden, where they will flower in spring in later years, though the spikes will be looser and smaller than in the first forced year. Hyacinth bulbs can irritate skin and should not be eaten, and they are also an irritant to pets, so wear gloves when handling them.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth
• Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis
• Growth Habit: Upright, compact spike with dense flower clusters
• Perfect For: Windowsills, tables, porches, patios, gift giving
• Foliage: Broad, strap-like, bright green leaves
• Flowering Time: Late winter to mid-spring, typically February to April
• Flower Colour: Pure white, fragrant
• Planting Position: Cool, bright spot indoors until the frosts have passed
• Hardiness: The bulb is hardy in the garden once flowering has finished and the frosts are over
• Maintenance: Keep the compost just moist, avoid standing water
• Seasonal Interest: Late winter to spring
• Type: Prepared bulbs, ready planted