Create a Bridal Bouquet with Hyacinths: Dutch and Roman Varieties

Most gardeners know hyacinths as fragrant Dutch hybrids (H. orientalis), growing a foot tall with fat spikes of tightly packed, waxy blooms in blue, yellow, salmon, white, red, or purple—typically massed in beds or pots.

But Roman hyacinths (H. o. albulus, also called French hyacinths), native to southern France, are smaller. Each bulb produces several slender, foot-tall stems with loose spikes of white, pale blue, or pink flowers. They're excellent for naturalizing and thrive in areas with little or no winter chill.

Getting Started

• Planting time: September where winters drop below 20°F; October to mid-November in warmer regions.
• Bloom time: March and April.
• Start from: Bulbs (at least a dozen per bouquet).
• Where to buy: Garden centers, nurseries, or mail-order suppliers Dutch Gardens and Von Bourgondien.

What Hyacinths Need

• Soil: Organically enriched, sandy, well-draining.
• Exposure: Full sun.
• Planting: In beds, set large bulbs 4–5 in. deep and 5 in. apart; smaller bulbs 3 in. deep and 4–5 in. apart. In containers, plant in porous mix with bulb tip near surface. Cover with thick mulch (sawdust or peat moss) to keep bulbs cool; remove when top growth shows and place in full light.
• Water: Irrigate regularly during growth and bloom season.

Whether Dutch or Roman, hyacinths bring unforgettable fragrance and color to spring bouquets.