Hyacinth bulbs are planted in the fall and bloom beautifully in the spring. Here’s a guide to planting and growing hyacinths and grape hyacinths in your home and garden!
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus) come in a variety of colors—from bright pink to soft blue. The hyacinth’s loose-to-dense racemes (clusters) of strongly fragrant flowers may be closely-packed single or double flowers.
Grape hyacinths (Muscari) are not directly related to true hyacinths, but belong to the same botanical family and have essentially the same care requirements.
On this page, we will refer to both Hyacinthus and Muscari plants as “hyacinths” for simplicity’s sake!
The Victorians revered hyacinths for their sweet, lingering fragrance, and carefully massed them in low beds, planting in rows of one color each. In general, hyacinths are said symbolize playfulness, sport, and rashness, though meanings are color-dependent. Learn more about the meanings of flowers.
Hyacinths are perennial bulbs and are often planted directly in the ground outdoors, though these easy bulbs are also excellent for forcing in container gardens or being made to flower indoors during the winter.
Botanical Name | Hyacinthus (True Hyacinths); Muscari (Grape Hyacinths) |
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Plant Type | Bulb |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Part Sun |
Soil Type | Loamy |
Soil pH | |
Bloom Time | Spring |
Flower Color | Blue, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow |
Hardiness Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
Special Features |