Heirloom Hyacinth Bulbs

Bursting with extra petals, double hyacinths were once the most prized. Rediscover their antique charms with this sampler of 4 unique jewels (clockwise from top left): ‘Madame Sophie’, ‘Chestnut Flower’, ‘General Kohler’, and ‘Hollyhock’. Save the Doubles! For zones 5a-8a(10bWC).

For 2, 3, or more of each, order additional samplers. Hyacinth care.

Sample the rich colors and fragrances of these under-appreciated treasures. Easy to force and great in the garden in zones 5a-8a(10bWC). We’ll send five different singles, our choice, all terrific!

For 2, 3, or more of each, order additional samplers. Hyacinth care.

Mauve? Lavender-pink? Soft rosy violet? Although ‘Anna Liza’s color may be hard to describe, it’s distinct and beautiful. And though it’s not very old, true stock is increasingly hard to find – so here it is! 10-12”, zones 5a-8a(10bWC), from Holland. Chart and care.

“Blue giants” are the brightest stars in the universe, and the radiant, pearly-blue flowers of this Depression-era classic make it a worthy namesake. We’ve also found it extra easy to force. 10-12”, zones 5a-8a(10bWC), from Holland. Chart and care.

The starry, overstuffed florets of this Victorian double are a lovely “dawn pink.” Though double hyacinths were once the most sought after (learn more), today only a handful survive – and ‘Chestnut Flower’ is one of the best. 10-12”, zones 5a-8a(10bWC), from Holland. Chart and care.

The wonderfully soft, baby-chick yellow of ‘City of Haarlem’ makes every hyacinth rainbow lovelier. Named for the bulb district’s grandest city, ‘Haarlem’ has been a favorite for well over a century. 10-12”, zones 5a-8a(10bWC), from Holland. Chart and care.

The opulent, lavender-blue bells of this rare double look as if they’ve been sculpted out of Bavarian sugar-frosting. Once discarded as freaks, double hyacinths rocketed into vogue in the early 1700s and remained the world’s most popular bulb for 150 years. 10-12”, zones 5a-8a(10bWC), from Holland. Chart, care, and learn more.

“If I could grow only one hyacinth,” wrote Rand Lee in The American Cottage Gardener, “it would be this.” He praised its “luminous” apricot color, the “melon undertone” of its “considerable fragrance,” and how it “naturalizes effortlessly” in his dry, zone-6a Santa Fe garden. 10-12”, zones 5a-8a(10bWC), from Holland. Chart and care.

Small and cute, with double, pug-faced florets of vivid rose, ‘Hollyhock’ is unmistakably antique. Always the last hyacinth to bloom, it extends the fragrant season. 8-10”, zones 5a-8a(10bWC), from Holland. Chart and care.

This soft, apple-blossom pink mingles happily with everything in the garden, and it’s so easy to force that we think everyone should try it. Our impossibly easy, paper-bag-in-the-fridge instructions will show you how. 10-12”, zones 5a-8a(10bWC), from Holland. Chart, care, and learn more.