Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gipsy Queen'
garden hyacinth bulbs
Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gipsy Queen' produces dense, chunky spikes of softly flushed salmon-apricot flowers held on sturdy upright stems in spring, creating a warm and eye-catching display.
A firm favourite for bedding schemes, it performs reliably in pots and window boxes, while in borders its gentle tones provide a striking yet harmonious contrast against richer blues and purples.
A firm favourite for bedding schemes, it performs reliably in pots and window boxes, while in borders its gentle tones provide a striking yet harmonious contrast against richer blues and purples.
How to care for Hyacinthus orientalis Gipsy Queen:
Using gloves, plant bulbs outdoors 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and 15cm (6in) apart in early or mid-autumn. Cut off the flower stalk at the base when the flowers fade. Once the foliage has died back, outdoor bulbs can be left in the ground to flower the following year.
For forcing indoor use, using gloves, plant bulbs close together (but not touching), into shallow bowls containing bulb fibre, so their tops are just above the surface of the compost. After potting up, they will need a cool, dark period, which will encourage root growth, so pop them into a black bin liner and leave in the shed or garage. Check them occasionally to make sure the compost does not get too dry, and water them when necessary.
When the growing shoot is about 5cm (2in) tall, take it out of the bag and bring the pot inside to a cool room away from direct sunlight until the leaves turn green. Afterwards they can be moved closer to the window, but if possible keep them away from central heating radiators. Be careful not to over water indoor containers without drainage as the bulbs will rot. Push your finger into the compost and only add more water if it feels dry (rather than moist or damp).
These bulbs can also be grown in specialist bulb vases. Simply fill the vase with water up to its neck and then sit the bulb on top, making sure the base of the bulb is just above the water. Then treat it in the same way as the potted bulbs.
Indoor bulbs can be lifted, cleaned and stored in a cool, dark location until the autumn (or planted out in the garden).
For forcing indoor use, using gloves, plant bulbs close together (but not touching), into shallow bowls containing bulb fibre, so their tops are just above the surface of the compost. After potting up, they will need a cool, dark period, which will encourage root growth, so pop them into a black bin liner and leave in the shed or garage. Check them occasionally to make sure the compost does not get too dry, and water them when necessary.
When the growing shoot is about 5cm (2in) tall, take it out of the bag and bring the pot inside to a cool room away from direct sunlight until the leaves turn green. Afterwards they can be moved closer to the window, but if possible keep them away from central heating radiators. Be careful not to over water indoor containers without drainage as the bulbs will rot. Push your finger into the compost and only add more water if it feels dry (rather than moist or damp).
These bulbs can also be grown in specialist bulb vases. Simply fill the vase with water up to its neck and then sit the bulb on top, making sure the base of the bulb is just above the water. Then treat it in the same way as the potted bulbs.
Indoor bulbs can be lifted, cleaned and stored in a cool, dark location until the autumn (or planted out in the garden).
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.25m
Eventual spread:
0.1m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This bulb dies back after flowering each year and enters a period of rest ahead of regrowth the following season.
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Humans: Skin irritant; Humans/Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten
