Hyacinth Delft Blue (Pack of 3 Bulbs)

Hyacinth Delft Blue (Pack of 3 Bulbs)

(Hyacinthus orientalis 'Delft Blue')

Please Note: These bulbs cannot be shipped to Western Australia or Tasmania due to biosecurity restrictions.

Few spring bulbs command attention quite like Hyacinth Delft Blue. This beloved heirloom variety, first introduced in 1944, is widely regarded as one of the finest and most fragrant hyacinths ever bred. Its soft porcelain-blue florets, with paler, silvery edges, are densely packed along sturdy upright spikes, creating a display reminiscent of the heritage Dutch Delftware pottery that inspired its name. A recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit, Delft Blue is a proven performer that delivers stunning colour and extraordinary perfume every spring.

Each bulb produces a plump, rigid flower spike densely compacted with tubular, slightly reflexed florets that sit among three to four upright, strap shaped green leaves. The overall effect is a sculptural column of soft lilac blue that looks equally striking in a formal garden bed, a cottage style border, or a simple terracotta pot on the patio. Delft Blue is also considered one of the best hyacinth varieties for forcing indoors, where its intense fragrance can fill an entire room. Plant it along pathways and near doorways to enjoy the scent daily, group it with tulips and daffodils for a classic spring combination, or mass plant for a sweeping drift of blue and perfume that will stop visitors in their tracks.

Product Highlights

•       Bulb count: 3 per pack

•       Flower colours: Soft porcelain blue (lilac blue) with paler silvery edges

•       Plant height: 20 to 30 cm

•       Bloom time: August to September (Australian early to mid spring)

•       Naturalising: No, best replaced every two to three years for strongest blooms

•       Sun requirements: Full sun to partial shade

•       Soil type: Well-drained, moderately fertile

•       Frost tolerance: Frost tolerant once established

Planting Instructions

Plant bulbs in autumn, from March to May, giving the roots time to develop before winter. Choose a spot in full sun to partial shade with well drained soil. Loosen the soil to 15 to 20 cm deep and enrich with compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and drainage. Place each bulb pointed end up at a depth of 10 to 15 cm, spaced 10 to 15 cm apart. Water in thoroughly after planting. For the most dramatic display, plant in tight groups of five or more. In warmer regions where winter temperatures remain above 10 degrees Celsius, pre chill bulbs in the refrigerator for at least six weeks prior to planting. Store them in the crisper drawer away from ethylene-producing fruits to maintain dormancy. Pre-chilled bulbs planted in autumn can produce earlier blooms, sometimes appearing ahead of the main spring flush.

Watering and Care

Water regularly from when shoots first appear through to the end of the flowering period, keeping the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Good drainage is essential, as hyacinth bulbs are prone to rot in soggy conditions. Work blood and bone or a balanced complete fertiliser into the soil at planting time to support strong root development and vigorous blooms. As the foliage begins to yellow after flowering, apply a slow-release fertiliser to help the bulb store energy for the following season. Mulch around the planting area to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and keep weeds at bay. Gradually reduce watering as the leaves die back and cease entirely once the plant is fully dormant.

Pruning Advice

Promptly remove faded flower stalks after blooming to prevent the bulb from wasting energy on seed production. Leave the foliage intact and allow it to die back on its own. The green leaves continue to photosynthesise and supply the bulb with nutrients for next year's flowers, so trimming them early can reduce the quality of future blooms. Delft Blue often flowers well for four to five seasons, though the flower spike becomes progressively less dense after the first year. For the strongest display, consider replanting with fresh bulbs every two to three years. In regions with wet or warm winters, lift bulbs once the foliage has fully died down and store them in a cool, dry, well ventilated location until the next planting season.

Climate Zone Guide

Cool and Alpine (ACT, VIC Highlands, NSW Tablelands): Outstanding results. Cold winters deliver the natural chilling period Delft Blue thrives on, producing the fullest, most densely packed flower spikes. This is the ideal climate for this variety.

Temperate (Melbourne, Adelaide, coastal NSW): Excellent performance. The reliable winter cold supports strong dormancy and robust spring flowering. Plant where the blooms will receive morning sun and some afternoon shade to extend the flowering period.

Subtropical (Brisbane, coastal QLD): Variable results. Pre chilling in the refrigerator for six to eight weeks is essential. Best treated as annuals, as warm winters do not provide sufficient cold dormancy for reliable repeat flowering.

Tropical and Arid (Darwin, Far North QLD): Not recommended. Persistent warmth makes flowering unreliable even with pre chilling. Pot culture with fully refrigerated bulbs may produce limited results in these zones.

Important Warnings

All parts of the hyacinth plant, including bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers, are toxic if ingested by humans, dogs, cats, and livestock. Keep bulbs stored safely away from children and pets. Wear gloves when handling bulbs as the sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Hyacinth bulbs contain alkaloids concentrated in the outer layers that can cause itching, rash, or eye irritation on contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling, even if gloves were worn. Do not plant near vegetable gardens where accidental ingestion is a risk. If ingestion occurs, seek medical or veterinary advice immediately.