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Hyacinthus orientalis - L.

Common Name Hyacinth, Garden hyacinth
Family Hyacinthaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
Known Hazards Poisonous, the sap can cause dermatitis[76]. The toxins are concentrated in the bulb[200].
Habitats Among rocks, up to 2000 metres in Turkey[93]
Range W. Asia. Naturalized in Europe around the Mediterranean.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Hyacinthus orientalis Hyacinth, Garden hyacinth


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gc20_hyacinthos_orientalis.jpg
Hyacinthus orientalis Hyacinth, Garden hyacinth
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Ram-Man

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: Pink, Red. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Mid spring. Form: Upright or erect


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of bulb
Hyacinthus orientalis is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in) at a slow rate.
It is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye  Essential

An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery[61, 171]. 1kg of the oil is obtained from 6,000kg of flowers[46]. A blue dye is obtained from the flowers[168].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Massing, Rock garden, Specimen. Easily grown in a well-drained sandy soil in full sun[90, 200]. Prefers a moderately rich soil[1]. The dormant bulbs are fairly hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -5°c[214]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are many named varieties[200]. When grown outdoors in Britain the bulb often gradually deteriorates each year due to a lack of summer heat that is required to fully ripen the bulb[1]. Eventually they look more like a bluebell than a hyacinth[K]. Bulbs should be planted out 7cm deep in October[1]. The flowers have a strong sweet fragrance that can fill the air for a considerable distance[245]. Special Features:All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Suitable for cut flowers, Fragrant flowers.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in a light sandy soil[1]. If sown thinly, the seedlings can be left in their pots for the first year, though give them regular liquid feeds to make sure that they get sufficient nutrient. Prick out the seedlings about 3 to a pot and grow on for 1 - 2 more years before planting out into their permanent positions when they are dormant[K]. Division in the autumn. Plant the small offsets 5cm deep[1]. Larger bulbs can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, but it is best to pot up smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year in a cold frame before planting them out when dormant in late summer. Scooping and scoring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

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Botanical References

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Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Lawler Barnes   Sun Apr 8 2007

Nature Abhors a Garden Hyacinths are the subject for 15 April 2007

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