Scientific Name
Hyacinthus orientalis
Common Name
Dutch Hyacinths
HYACINTHUS
orientalis (Hybrids are available in blue, yellow, orange, mauve, rose, pink, purple, red and white flowers.)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Hyacinthus orientalis flowers in mid-spring (April/May) for 2-3 weeks. Plants are 8-12 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: Mediterranean
2. Common names: Dutch Hyacinths
3. Geophyte organ: Tunicated bulb
4. Hardiness type: Hardy I - Injured at temperatures below 23 degrees F (-5C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces slowly by offsets and requires a warm (70 to 80F) - cool (32 to 35F) - warm (50 to 65F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Beds, borders, and rock gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 13/14, 14/15, 15/16, 16/17,17/18, 18/up in cm, in circumference.
2. Planting density: 1-3 inches apart, 6 to 9 bulbs per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 8 inches to base of the bulb.
4. Planting time: Fall
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zone 4 with mulch, 5 to 7 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight, to PM only or AM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Tolerates (prefers) summer drought, but should be kept moist during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Generally not susceptible.
D. Companion Plants:
Alyssum, Arabis, Campanula, Centaurea dealbata, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Digitalis, Hemerocallis, Rhododendron spp. (deciduous and evergreen), Cotoneaster, Berberis, Acer palmatum, Deutzia gracilis, Weigela.

H. 'Carnegie'

H. 'Ostara'

H. 'Amsterdam'

H. 'Anna Lisa'

H. 'Viking'

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.