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Hyacinthus x orientalis Fondant

Hyacinthus x orientalis Fondant
Garden Hyacinth, Common Hyacinth

4,7/5
13 reviews
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Have recovered very well. Very pretty medium pink flowering. End of February and month of March.

Delphine62, 18/03/2024

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
This highly scented hyacinth produces clusters of waxy flowers in a soft pink colour. This early variety blooms as early as March and is more tolerant of hot and dry climates than some cultivars. Whether in the garden or indoors, this bulbous plant is cultivated in fertile and moist, yet well-drained soil.
Flower size
20 cm
Height at maturity
20 cm
Spread at maturity
10 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time October to November
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Flowering time February to March
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Description

The Hyacinthus orientalis or 'Fondant' Hyacinth, much like the delicious confectionery it is named after, is a treat for the eyes and nose. This highly fragrant variety produces clusters of waxy flowers that appear to be crafted from sugar, with a delicate and pure pink colour. It blooms early in the hyacinth season, starting in March, and seems to tolerate hot and dry climates better. Whether in the garden or indoors, this bulbous plant thrives in fertile and moist, yet well-drained soil. Its flowers last for 2 weeks in a vase!

 

Although the Oriental Hyacinth is not widely cultivated anymore, this species native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions has given rise to countless highly regarded cultivars in gardens for their delightful spring flowering or in floristry for their forcing ability. This botanical species can be found naturalized in France in Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Alpes-Maritimes, and Lot-et-Garonne.

The 'Fondant' hyacinth, like its counterpart, belongs to the family of Hyacinthaceae, or Asparagaceae. It has a large ovate bulb and from spring onwards forms a clump of bright green ribbon-like leaves, from which a sturdy 20cm (8in) long flower stem emerges in April-May, bearing numerous star-shaped, diaphanous flowers with a thick, translucent substance. These flowers are pale pink with a candy pink midrib, tightly packed together and exuding a sweet fragrance. The foliage is deciduous in summer and reappears in late winter.

 

Among early bloomers, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. Reserve a prominent spot for it in your garden, preferably near the entrance of your house to enjoy its fragrance with each passing. It will bring spectacular splashes of colour to your flower beds. Hyacinths can easily be paired with other early bulbs such as Chionodoxas or early Tulips. Forcing them indoors is a breeze: get a narrow-necked vase specifically designed for hyacinth bulbs. Fill it with water and place the bulb so that its base is just above the water level. Make sure the water level always reaches the base of the bulb, but never higher.

Their flowers are edible, raw or cooked, and have a slightly mucilaginous texture. Depending on your preferences, you can crystallize them with sugar or incorporate them into fruit salads. In the past, they were considered a delicacy and could be found under the name of 'candied hyacinths of Constantinople'.

 

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 cm
Spread at maturity 10 cm
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time February to March
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 20 cm
Fragrance Very fragrant, sweet, floral, fresh
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Hyacinthus

Species

x orientalis

Cultivar

Fondant

Family

Hyacinthaceae

Other common names

Garden Hyacinth, Common Hyacinth

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference576251

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Planting and care

Plant in October-November by burying the bulbs 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) deep and 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) apart. The soil should be deep, fertile, slightly acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline, but well-drained. This plant appreciates well-decomposed manure and light, dry soils in summer. It fears waterlogged soils in winter. In very harsh climates, cover with mulch to protect from extreme cold. Flowering occurs from February to April-May, depending on the varieties. After flowering, wait for the leaves to turn yellow and wither before digging up the bulbs, which will be stored in a dry place until they are replanted in the following autumn. Hyacinths can survive in the ground during winter if the temperature does not drop below -15°C (5°F) and the soil is permeable. The second year's flowering will generally be less beautiful than the first, but still very acceptable for border decoration. Pot cultivation is possible, following the same cultivation method, ensuring that the plant does not lack water during the growing season. 

Planting period

Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time October to November
Planting depth 10 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 6 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Well-drained, deep soil.

Care

Pruning instructions Eliminate the wilted flowers so that the plant doesn't exhaust itself producing seeds.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to April
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs to be stored
4,7/5
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