Dutch Hyacinth 'Delft Blue' (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Dutch Hyacinth 'Delft Blue': Porcelain Blue Perfection

Dutch Hyacinth 'Delft Blue' is a classic cultivar of Hyacinthus orientalis prized for its dense, cylindrical spikes of porcelain-blue, bell-shaped flowers with an intense, sweet fragrance. The flowers are tightly packed on a sturdy 8-10 inch stem above glossy, strap-shaped leaves. It blooms in mid-spring and is a quintessential spring bulb for formal beds and forcing.

Forcing and Garden Culture

For indoor forcing, plant bulbs in autumn in pots, chill for 10-12 weeks at 40-45°F, then bring into cool light. In the garden, plant in autumn in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade. The bulbs are best treated as annuals or short-lived perennials in warm climates, but may persist in cool zones. The fragrance is legendary.

Taxonomy

• Family: Hyacinthaceae
• Genus: Hyacinthus
• Species: orientalis
• Cultivar: 'Delft Blue'