Hyacinths

 

They like at least half a day of sun both for blooming and ripening. An informal way to use hyacinths is to scatter them in small groups in and around the border where they will flower with the daffodils and early tulips. Don’t forget to plant some in pots close to the house for you will enjoy their sweet fragrance.

In Holland hyacinths are often used in formal beds by planting the bulbs in geometric patterns. Lining up bulbs in single rows should be avoided. If you want a long bed of colour, plant them in rows of at least 4 bulbs wide. Left undisturbed they will bloom for several years. However, if large and uniform flowers are required, new bulbs should be planted each autumn. Plant 12cm deep, 12cm apart.