SKU: 654564987984684685 6 Hyacinth Delft Blue Mixture - Hyacinth orientalis

Key Features

• Growth Habit: Upright, bulb-forming perennial with sturdy flower spikes rising above narrow, strap-like green foliage.
• Bloom Color: A blend of soft sky blue, lavender-blue, porcelain blue, and violet-blue flower spikes.
• Fragrance: Strong, sweet, richly fragrant perfume that fills the garden and makes exceptional cut flowers.
• Fruit Flavor: None; ornamental seed capsules may form after flowering but are not edible.
• Culinary Uses: None. Hyacinths are ornamental plants and should not be consumed.
• Medicinal Uses: No recognized medicinal uses. Primarily cultivated for ornamental beauty and fragrance.
• Possible Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets if ingested. The bulbs contain calcium oxalate crystals and other compounds that may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth. Handling bulbs may cause skin irritation ("hyacinth itch") in sensitive individuals, so wearing gloves is recommended during planting.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Attracts bees and other early-season pollinators. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and voles generally avoid hyacinth bulbs because of their toxicity, though newly planted bulbs may occasionally be disturbed.
• Planting Zone: Hardy in USDA Zones 4–8.
• Sun Preferences: Full sun to partial shade. Produces the strongest blooms with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established. Prefers evenly moist soil during active growth and tolerates dry summer dormancy after the foliage dies back.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 8–12 inches tall with a spread of 4–6 inches.

When and How to Prune

• Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to prevent seed production and allow the bulb to store energy.
• Leave the foliage intact until it naturally yellows and dies back.
• Remove dead foliage once it has completely withered.
• Avoid cutting green leaves prematurely or tying them together, as healthy foliage is essential for replenishing the bulb.

Planting Instructions (Bulbs into the Ground)

1. Plant bulbs in fall, approximately 6–8 weeks before the ground freezes.
2. Select a location with fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
3. Dig planting holes 4–6 inches deep, measuring from the top of the bulb to the soil surface.
4. Place bulbs with the pointed end facing upward.
5. Space bulbs 4–6 inches apart for a dense, colorful spring display.
6. Backfill with soil and gently firm around the bulbs.
7. Water thoroughly after planting to encourage root establishment before winter.
8. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch after planting to help moderate soil temperatures and reduce winter heaving.
9. Avoid planting in areas with standing water, as excessive moisture can cause bulb rot.

Overwintering Steps

• Delft Blue Mixture Hyacinths are winter hardy in USDA Zones 4–8 and can remain in the ground throughout the winter.
• After flowering, remove spent flower stalks but leave the foliage to mature naturally.
• Once the leaves have completely yellowed, remove them at ground level.
• Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage during winter dormancy.
• Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch after the ground freezes to reduce freeze-thaw cycles and protect bulbs during severe winter weather.
• Remove excess mulch gradually in early spring as new shoots begin to emerge.
• If flowering declines after several years, lift, divide, and replant overcrowded bulbs during their summer dormancy for renewed vigor.

With its cool blue color palette, intoxicating fragrance, and dependable spring performance, Hyacinth 'Delft Blue' Mixture brings timeless elegance to gardens, borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. Whether planted in sweeping drifts or combined with other spring bulbs, this beautiful collection delivers a spectacular display of soothing color and sweet perfume that returns year after year.