The Garden Hyacinth, Hyacinthus orientalis, is a perennial flowering plant which has a pedigree going back hundreds of years to Asia Minor via Italy, France (where it is used in perfumery) and Holland. They are best known for their clusters of fragrant, brightly-colored flowers.
These hyacinths grow from 12-18" (30-45 cm) in height with a spread of about 6-9" (15-22 cm). They grow from bulbs, but will only persist in cold-weather regions. They have green, strap-shaped, basal leaves. Their large, fragrant 12" flower spikes are tightly packed with small tubular blossoms. Colors vary from blue, white, pale yellow, pink, red or purple.
The Garden Hyacinth blooms in the early spring. They grow best in full sun to part shade in well-drained, but not dry, soil.
H. orientalis contains alkaloids and is toxic if eaten in large quantities
