Hyacinthus orientalis (Hyacinth) – Fragrant Blue Spring Bulbs in Leafy Trough (5 Plants in a Leafy Vine Trough)

Blue hyacinths bring bold colour and a strong, sweet fragrance to a windowsill, doorstep or patio table, and this ready planted trough holds 5 of them growing together, so there is no potting to do. The botanical name is Hyacinthus orientalis, often sold as Dutch hyacinth or common hyacinth.

Each bulb sends up a single upright spike of closely packed blue flowers above strap-like, mid-green leaves. The bulbs are prepared for indoor flowering, so the display can be enjoyed inside in the cool and bright during winter, and the scent will fill a small room. The plants are supplied in bud or bloom, depending on the time of year.

Keep the trough in a bright spot away from radiators and other heat sources, because a warm room makes the stems flop and shortens the display. Keep the compost moist but never waterlogged. Hyacinth bulbs can irritate the skin and should not be eaten, so gloves are sensible when handling them.

Once the flowers have faded, remove the spent spikes. The bulbs are hardy and can be planted out in the garden after the frosts have passed, where they will flower again in spring in later years, though the spikes will be looser and smaller than in the first forced year.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth
• Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 20-30cm tall and 8-10cm wide
• Growth Habit: Upright, compact flowering spike from a single bulb
• Foliage: Strap-like, mid-green leaves
• Flower Colour: Blue
• Flowering Time: Late winter to mid-spring
• Planting Position: Bright light indoors while in flower
• Hardiness: The bulb is hardy in the garden, but keep this forced display indoors until the frosts have passed
• Fragrance: Strongly fragrant
• Type: Spring flowering bulb