Hyacinthus orientalis Apricot Passion (Dutch Hyacinth)

With its soft orange-pink color, Hyacinthus orientalis 'Apricot Passion' (Dutch Hyacinth) brings a cheerful sight to the dull days of late winter. Featuring flowered spikes densely covered with starry, pale apricot florets, it is delightfully fragrant. Floating atop erect, lance-shaped bright green leaves, this beauty blooms for 2-3 weeks in mid-spring. Plant it where you will be able to enjoy its perfume daily: near a doorway, along a path, near your patio or deck!

• Rising up to 8-12 inches tall (20-30 cm), this hyacinth will naturalize in the right spot. But it should be noted that flowering might decrease in quality over time.
• Thrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Best flowering occurs with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. In partial shade, they will do well the first year, but they will bloom less and less in the following years.
• Keep the soil moist during the growing season. Do not plant your hyacinth in waterlogged soil (it is susceptible to rot).
• Hyacinths are perfect for beds and borders, underplanting shrubs and roses, patio containers, or window boxes. Plant them close to paths, walkways, or doors, so you can enjoy their heady perfume. For the best visual impact, plant your hyacinths in groups of 5-9 bulbs.
• Hyacinths also make long-lasting cut flowers that will perfume an entire room.
• To be planted in the fall, from September to November, depending on your geographic location. Basically, any time after your first fall frost and before the ground freezes.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs or squirrels.
• Propagate by removing offsets when dormant in summer.
• Encourage your hyacinth to bloom for more than one year by cutting off the flower spikes as soon as the flowers fade. Do not remove the foliage until it withers and dies off. During this period, the hyacinth stores energy in the bulb for next year’s bloom. Cutting off the foliage before it has died back naturally may prevent the bulbs from storing enough energy. As a result, your hyacinths may not bloom next spring. 
• Hyacinths contain oxalic acid — a substance that makes them deer or rodent-resistant. Ingestion may cause severe discomfort. They are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
• Handling hyacinth bulbs can also cause mild skin irritation. Protective gloves are recommended.