Grape hyacinth and wood anemone welcome spring.

Overview

Hyacinths are a spring bulb, often planted as a companion to daffodils and tulips in early spring gardens. The flower stalks are adorned with clusters of small blooms in a large range of colors. Their heady aroma makes them suited for cut arrangements or beds near patios or windows where the scent is easily appreciated. Hyacinths bloom for more than one year, though flowering will drop off little by little. Treat hyacinth as an annual and plant yearly or encourage a season or two more from existing bulbs with proper maintenance.

Step 1

Plant hyacinth bulbs in autumn, six weeks before the first hard frost of the year. Till the bed to a 12-inch depth before planting.

Step 2

Water bulbs at planting and through the fall. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Cease watering once the ground freezes, then water as needed to keep soil moist once the ground thaws in spring.

Step 3

Cut back the flower stalks after spring blooming is complete. Cut the stalk off at the base where it emerges from the foliage.

Step 4

Let the foliage yellow and die back. Cut it down to the ground only after there are no living leaves left.

Step 5

Work fresh compost into the top 1 to 2 inches of soil after leaves have died back. Take care not to damage bulbs.