BHG’s Stephen Orr is on a mission to bring these fragrant blooms back to gardens everywhere.
EvenStephen Orr, editor in chief ofBetter Homes and Gardens, has been wary of planting these bulbs.
To gardeners who are drawn tonaturalistic-looking plantings, these anachronistic flowers have been out of style for decades.
Credit:Stephen Orr
Even I have avoided planting them in my garden, where I assumed theyd stick out like sore thumbs.
To inspire your late-summer andearly-fall planting, here are a few of the most interesting facts about hyacinth flowers.
Ive loved hyacinths since I was a kid.
Credit:Stephen Orr
Cut hyacinths as the stems start to lengthen and the tight buds begin to show color.
Liketulips, they will continue to grow in the vaseuntil they reach their full height.
Stems will last up to a week if the water is changed every two days.
Credit:Stephen Orr
I tend to group mine into warm or cool tones.
Now you might find only a handful in most catalogs.
Because some hyacinth varieties arent widely available, they make a unique addition to a backyard flowerbed.
Hyacinths are a valuable piece of horticultural history, Orr says.
Theygrow well in Zones 5-7with a stretch to Zones 4-8and prefer a wet spring and dry summer and fall.
They Attract Pollinators
The bright colors of hyacinth petals willattract plenty of pollinators.
Welcome bumblebees and butterflies to your garden with a vibrant mix of hyacinths in all shades.
