Hyacinthus 'Delft Blue'
Hyacinthus orientalis 'Delft Blue'
The most popular garden hyacinth in the UK, producing dense spikes of porcelain-blue flowers with an intense sweet fragrance in March and April. Named after the famous Dutch pottery. Excellent for borders, containers, and indoor forcing. Bulbs produce the largest flowers in their first year.
Where to plant
Best aspect
Border position
When to plant and expect flowers
Plant
Flowers
How to grow hyacinthus 'delft blue'
Plant 10cm deep in October or November. For the largest flowers, buy 'prepared' bulbs for indoor forcing. In borders, flower size decreases after the first year but plants become more natural-looking. Wear gloves when handling bulbs as they can cause skin irritation.
Soil requirements
Soil type
loam, sand, chalk
Moisture
well drained
pH
neutral, alkaline
Aftercare
Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Remove spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding.
Propagation
- Offsets in autumn
- Seed
Wildlife value
Toxicity
Contains oxalic acid. Bulbs cause skin irritation (hyacinth itch). Ingestion causes nausea and vomiting.
Common problems
- Hyacinth itch (skin irritation from handling)
- Grey mould (Botrytis)
- Bulb rot in wet soil
- Flower size declines after first year
Similar bulbs to grow
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