Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

common name:

Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth

scientific name:

Hyacinthus

orientalis

'Carnegie' Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis 'Carnegie') produces clusters of fragrant flowers in early spring, adding color and scent to the landscape. Photo taken March 27, 2026, in the Keim Courtyard.

Image Creadit:

Trey Lamkins, Graduate Research Assistant

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) is a classic spring-flowering bulb prized for its dense spikes of highly fragrant flowers and vibrant color range. Blooming in mid-spring, hyacinths produce tightly packed florets that create a bold visual and sensory impact in garden beds, borders, and containers. Available in shades of white, pink, blue, purple, and more, they are often used in formal plantings or mass displays for strong seasonal color. Hyacinths perform best in full sun and well-drained soils, with consistent moisture during active growth.

Charecteristics

Plant type:

Bulb

Hardiness Zones:

4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7, 8

Light Needs:

Full Sun

Water Needs:

Moist

Space Requirements:

Less than 12 inches

Height Requirements:

Less than 2 feet

Spread Requirements:

Less than 1 foot

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

Spring

Leaf Color:

Green

Companion Plant Tolerance:

Deer

Uses:

Ground Cover

Varieties

'Carnegie'

A popular white hyacinth cultivar known for its strong fragrance and large, dense flower spikes, making it a standout in spring plantings and cut flower arrangements.