Dear Gardeners:

One perfumed posy that no garden should be without is the beautiful Hyacinth. Nobody can deny the intrinsic appeal of its bright and cheery flower spikes that combine beauty and a heavenly scent. Traditionally, they are available in candy colors like pink, blue, purple, and white. Newer Hyacinths, like 'Yellow Queen,' has yellow flowers. 'Firelights' even has peach flowers!

As pretty as they are, Hyacinth bulbs prove themselves easy to work with in the home landscape as long as you know a few basic keys to success. Here are a handful of tips to help plant and enjoy Hyacinths to their best advantage:

• Plant these gorgeous plants near walkways, doorways, patios, and decks where their scent will be more noticeable to passersby.
• Fill flower pots and planters with these bulbs so they'll be closer to people's noses.
• Put them in full sun if you want them to perennialize year after year. Although you should be prepared to replenish the planting from time to time.
• Give them excellent drainage so their big bulbs will not rot in too much moisture.
• Clip the spent flower spikes as soon as they're finished, but leave the foliage on until it dies naturally.
• Consider the Multiflora Festival Hyacinths for a fragrant flower display that is loose, natural, and more weather resistant than traditional Hyacinths.
• Plant Hyacinths in between Daffodil and Tulip bulbs to lengthen the blooming season from late winter to early summer.

Happy Gardening,
The Bulb Lady®