Quick Guide: summer, hardy, semi-shade, height: 10cm/4in, width: 10-15cm/4-6in

The hyacinth bears spikes of fragrant flowers of white, blue, yellow, pink or red in early spring. Most of the generally available varieties belong to the group called Dutch hybrids, developed from the species Hyacinthus orientalis. They are commercially forced into flowering early for indoor plants, but are ideal for spring flowering outdoors in more formal schemes.

GROWING Plant the bulbs as soon as they are available in early autumn, in rich, well-drained soil. A sunny site is important if you want the bulbs to bloom for more than one year.

PROPAGATION Hyacinths are not prolific, but offsets can be taken from the parent bulb, which should be lifted after the foliage has died down. Replant the bulbils immediately.

VARIETIES Recommended for bedding: `King of the Blues', deep blue; `La Victoire', red; `Pink Pearl' (above), deep pink; `L'Innocence', white; `City of Haarlem', primrose yellow.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Stem and bulb eelworm; narcissus fly maggots.