Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family, native to Eastern Mediterranean (Turkey, Syria, Lebanon). It grows 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall and 10–15 cm (4–6 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 12 cm (5 in) apart.
Plan Hyacinth in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Hyacinth at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Spacing | 12 cm (5 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Mediterranean (Turkey, Syria, Lebanon) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Hyacinth toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: bulbs
Bulbs contain calcium oxalate crystals and alkaloids; they irritate skin and cause vomiting if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Hyacinth
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Hyacinth
- How far apart should I plant Hyacinth?
- About 12 cm (5 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 cm (4–6 in).
- Does Hyacinth need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Hyacinth need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Hyacinth?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Hyacinth flower?
- From about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Hyacinth poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Bulbs contain calcium oxalate crystals and alkaloids; they irritate skin and cause vomiting if eaten.
- What grows well with Hyacinth?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hyacinth. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Garden bulbs usually decline in size and bloom after a few years.
- Handling bulbs can cause skin itch; wear gloves.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana
- Adam's needle (yucca) Yucca filamentosa