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Fragrant hyacinth bulb
Asparagaceae
‘Aïda’ Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Aïda’)
Product code : 120 105 03
The ‘Aïda’ Hyacinth produces dense spikes of deep-violet waxy bells with a velvety appearance in mid-spring. The package contains 4 bulbs. Stems reach approximately 20 to 30 cm and suit borders, fragrant containers, and bouquets. Plant bulbs in fall, 10 cm deep, in full sun or light partial shade and moderately fertile, freely drained soil. Hardy in Zone 4, this perennial can return for years when glossy foliage remains until it yellows completely. Group all four bulbs near a path to appreciate the colour and fragrance at close range. Its flowers also suit cutting and combine easily with daffodils, early tulips, and seasonal pansies in coordinated spring displays.
- Quantity
- 4 bulbs
- Exposure
- Full sun to light partial shade
- Life cycle
- Hardy spring-flowering bulbous perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 4 to 8
Discover the plant
Common name‘Aïda’ Hyacinth
FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusHyacinthus
Speciesorientalis
CultivarAïda
TypeFragrant hyacinth bulb
Botanical nameHyacinthus orientalis
‘Aïda’ Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Aïda’) produces dense spikes of deep-violet waxy bells with a velvety appearance in mid-spring. The package contains 4 bulbs. Upright stems reach approximately 20 to 30 cm above broad glossy green foliage. Hardy in Zone 4, this perennial suits borders, rock gardens, fragrant containers, and bouquets. Its fragrance is especially noticeable near an entrance or path. Grouped planting clearly displays the deep violet colour and cylindrical spike shape. The plant can return for years in freely drained soil. Its compact size also makes it easy to combine with other spring bulbs.
Plant bulbs in fall with the pointed end up, 10 cm deep and approximately 10 cm apart. Choose full sun or light partial shade, then water deeply after planting. In spring, maintain light moisture when rainfall is insufficient without allowing water to stand. A thin layer of mature compost supports growth; avoid fertilizer rich in nitrogen. Group all four bulbs for a stronger display. In containers, use a deep pot with unobstructed drainage holes and protect it from repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles. Check moisture before watering again and shelter lengthening stems from strong wind.
After flowering, remove spent spikes when seed formation is not wanted, but allow every leaf to yellow completely. Foliage rebuilds reserves needed for the following display. Reduce watering during summer dormancy and mark the position to avoid disturbing resting bulbs. Divide a crowded clump after leaves have dried, then promptly replant firm offsets. Ornamental bulbs are not intended for eating and may irritate skin, so keep stored bulbs away from children and pets and wear gloves when needed. Remove only fully dry foliage and handle dormant bulbs carefully during division.
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Spacing / density
Space 10 cm (4 in.) apart
Best planting time
September until the ground freezes
Propagation
Divide offsets during summer dormancy
Growing method
Plant bulbs in the fall, point-side up, 4 in (10 cm) deep and about 4 in (10 cm) apart. Choose full sun or light partial shade, then water thoroughly after planting. In spring, keep the soil slightly moist when rain is insufficient, but avoid waterlogging. A thin layer of mature compost supports growth; avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Group the four bulbs for a more visible effect. When planting in containers, use a deep pot with adequate drainage holes and protect it from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. After flowering, remove spent flower spikes if you don't want seed formation, but allow all leaves to yellow completely. They replenish the reserves needed for the next bloom. Reduce watering during summer dormancy and mark the location to avoid disturbing the bulbs. Divide a crowded clump after the foliage has died back, then quickly replant firm bulbils. Ornamental bulbs are not for consumption and may irritate the skin; keep them out of reach of children and animals and wear gloves if necessary.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Acid, neutral, or alkaline
Minimum temperature
Zone 4 hardiness
Care level
Moderate
Watering
Water deeply after planting, then moderately until freeze-up. In spring, keep soil lightly moist when rainfall is insufficient without saturating it. Reduce watering as foliage yellows and keep bulbs relatively dry during summer dormancy. In containers, check moisture before watering again and always empty the saucer so roots never remain in standing water. Water at soil level in the morning and adjust frequency to temperature, rainfall, and drainage.
Soil type
This hyacinth prefers moderately fertile, loose, freely drained soil. Light moisture during active spring growth supports flowering, but standing water can rot the bulbs. In heavy soil, incorporate mature compost and improve a broad area rather than only the planting hole. Avoid waterlogged depressions and compaction around emerging shoots. A crumbly structure also lets autumn roots establish quickly and makes later division easier.
Fertilization
Add a modest amount of mature compost at planting when soil is poor. In early spring, a low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer can support flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen and fresh manure, which encourage leaves or damage roots. One moderate application is normally sufficient for established clumps growing in reasonably fertile garden soil. Apply fertilizer to moist soil, follow the package rate, and water lightly afterward when rain is not expected.
Moisture
Maintain moderate, even moisture through establishment, active growth, and flowering without leaving bulbs in saturated soil. Rapid drainage is essential for winter hardiness, especially in Zone 4. Reduce irrigation as foliage yellows. Light mulch conserves summer moisture, but keep it away from emerging shoots to preserve airflow and prevent crown rot after prolonged rain or repeated winter thaws in Quebec gardens.
Seasonal care
Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position where water drains quickly. In fall, loosen the soil to approximately 20 cm and incorporate a modest amount of mature compost when fertility is low. Plant ‘Aïda’ Hyacinth bulbs 10 cm deep with the pointed end up, leaving 8 cm between them. Group them to display the compact spikes of small egg-shaped flowers. Cover with soil, firm gently, and water deeply. Maintain moderate moisture until freeze-up without saturating the soil. In spring, water when rainfall is insufficient and apply a low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer if needed. Remove spent spikes, but retain all foliage until it yellows completely. Reduce watering during summer dormancy. Divide crowded clumps when the leaves are dry and promptly replant firm bulbs. Avoid deep cultivation around emerging shoots and mark the location during summer. In heavy soil, use a raised bed or improve drainage across a broad planting area. Over time, observe clump density during flowering. When spikes become fewer or shorter despite good conditions, divide the group during dormancy. Remove only foliage that is completely dry and never tie leaves while they remain green. A thin mulch layer can moderate temperature changes, but clear emerging shoots in spring. Check that neighbouring shrubs have not created dense shade. Ornamental bulbs are not intended for eating, so store unplanted bulbs away from children and pets.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
35 to 10 cm (14 to 16 in) wide and at least 5 cm (3 in) deep for 20 bulbs
Choose a container at least 25 cm wide and deep with several drainage holes. Fill it with freely draining container mix, adding coarse material when needed. Plant all 4 bulbs approximately 10 cm deep with pointed ends up, spacing them 5 to 8 cm apart for a full group without pressing them together. Water deeply and let excess water escape. Maintain light moisture during rooting and spring growth, but never leave water in the saucer. Place the pot in full sun or light partial shade. In cold climates, protect the container from repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles while preserving the winter chilling bulbs require. After flowering, remove spent spikes and let the leaves yellow completely. Reduce watering at that stage. Repot when the group becomes crowded, discard soft bulbs, and promptly replant firm bulbs in fresh, freely draining mix. Check moisture more often during active growth because containers dry faster than beds. Rotate the pot occasionally for even light and raise it slightly when drainage slows. Keep emerging shoots free of fallen leaves, and move the display into view as buds colour. After dormancy begins, store the labelled pot where summer rain cannot keep the mix saturated.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in.)
Width / spread
Approximately 10 cm (4 in.)
Flower color
Deep violet
Foliage color
Glossy rich green
Foliage type
Deciduous broad glossy strap-like foliage
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Compact upright clump
Fragrance
Strong floral fragrance
Bloom period
‘Aïda’ Hyacinth flowers in mid-spring and produces dense spikes of deep-violet waxy bells with a velvety appearance. Stems reach approximately 20 to 30 cm above broad glossy leaves. Grouped planting makes the colour more visible and concentrates the fragrance. Cool spring weather can extend the display. Remove spent spikes, then allow foliage to yellow completely so bulbs rebuild reserves for the following season.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair this hyacinth with low plants that enjoy spring light and freely drained soil. Crocuses, dwarf daffodils, small botanical tulips, and hardy primroses complement its spikes without hiding them. Later-emerging perennials can discreetly cover foliage while it yellows. Avoid vigorous ground covers and species requiring constantly wet soil. Leave enough open space for naturalizing and future division of crowded clumps. Choose neighbours with comparable light, drainage, and seasonal moisture needs. Respect their mature width so air can circulate and every hyacinth leaf receives light until it yellows completely.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should these hyacinth bulbs be planted?
Plant the bulbs in fall, ideally from September until the ground freezes. Planting reasonably early allows roots to develop before winter without encouraging excessive top growth. Choose full sun or light partial shade and soil that drains quickly. Set each bulb 10 cm deep with the pointed end up and leave 8 cm between bulbs. Water deeply after planting. If autumn remains unusually dry, check moisture once or twice before freeze-up, but avoid watering that leaves the soil saturated. Mark the location if later fall work could disturb the group. In mild autumn weather, wait until the soil has cooled before planting.
What light does this hyacinth need?
Full sun encourages compact stems and abundant flowering. Light partial shade is also suitable, especially beneath deciduous trees that allow spring sunlight to reach the bulbs before the canopy expands. Avoid dense all-day shade because it can reduce spike production. The location should also provide air movement and quick drainage after rain. In a container, rotate the pot if stems lean toward the light. After flowering, leaves still require light until they yellow completely because they are rebuilding reserves. A marked decline over several years can indicate that neighbouring shrubs now cast too much shade or that the clump needs division.
How should this hyacinth be watered?
Water deeply after planting to settle soil around the bulbs. In spring, maintain light, even moisture during growth and flowering whenever rainfall is insufficient. Allow the surface to begin drying before watering again because standing water promotes bulb rot. Direct water toward the soil rather than the spikes. Gradually reduce watering when foliage yellows, then keep bulbs relatively dry during summer dormancy. Containers dry more quickly than garden beds, but their saucers should always be emptied. Check moisture instead of following a rigid calendar. During cool or rainy weather, lengthen the interval and verify that runoff has not created a wet pocket around the planting.
Can this hyacinth grow in a container?
Yes. Choose a container at least 25 cm wide and deep with several drainage holes. Plant the package bulbs approximately 10 cm deep with their pointed ends up in a light container mix. Space them 5 to 8 cm apart for a full group without pressing them together. Water deeply, then maintain moderate moisture without leaving water in the saucer. In very cold climates, insulate the pot or move it to a cold, sheltered place to limit repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles. The bulbs still require winter chilling. Allow foliage to yellow completely before reducing summer watering, and repot crowded bulbs during dormancy in fresh, freely draining mix.
What should happen to the foliage after flowering?
Leave every leaf in place until it yellows completely and pulls away easily. For several weeks after flowering, the foliage captures light and rebuilds the bulb’s reserves for the following year. Do not braid, tie, or cut leaves while they are green. Remove only spent spikes to limit seed formation when seedlings are not wanted. Later-emerging perennials can discreetly hide the foliage during this period. Once leaves are dry, clear them away and reduce watering for summer dormancy. This step is essential for reliable repeat flowering. If the clump becomes crowded, use the dormant period to separate offsets and promptly replant firm bulbs at their usual depth in freely draining soil.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
The small spring flowers can provide nectar and pollen for bees and other insects active early in the season. Plant several bulbs together and avoid insecticides during bloom. Combine them with crocuses and other simple flowers to extend available resources. A succession of nearby spring flowers keeps resources available longer.
For planting your bulbs
The right extras.Right here.
Bulb planters and planting tools
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Soils and amendments for bulbs
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