Hyacinth 'White Pearl' Hyacinthus orientalis 'White Pearl'

Water

The common hyacinth, particularly the 'White Pearl' variety, should generally be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering is a common mistake, so let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. During the active growing season, usually in spring, this may mean watering approximately once a week with around 1 gallon for outdoor plants, depending on the climate and weather conditions. During the plant's dormant period in the summer, reduce the frequency of watering as the bulb is resting.

Light

Hyacinths, including 'White Pearl', thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct afternoon sun can be too intense and may scorch their leaves, so a spot with morning sunlight or filtered sunlight throughout the day is ideal. They can also grow under full sunlight, but in milder climates or during cooler parts of the day to prevent overheating and drying out the soil too quickly.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for a hyacinth, 'White Pearl' included, is between 60°F to 70°F during its growth period. They are quite cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to around 25°F once established. Bulb chilling at 40°F to 45°F for 12-14 weeks is needed before the growth season begins to ensure healthy blooms.

Pruning

Prune the common hyacinth 'White Pearl' after the flowers have faded by deadheading the spent blooms to prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Leave the foliage intact until it has yellowed and died back naturally as this allows the plant to store energy for the next season. Typically, this means pruning once a year in late spring or early summer.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Hyacinth 'White Pearl' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Use a mixture of loam, sand, and organic matter such as compost to create an ideal environment for these bulbs.

Repotting

Hyacinth 'White Pearl' bulbs should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, typically after their foliage has died back post-blooming season, to provide fresh soil and accommodate bulb growth.

Humidity & Misting

Hyacinth 'White Pearl' prefers moderate humidity levels but is generally adaptable as long as it is not exposed to excessively dry air.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and cool temps.

• Outdoor

  Plant in fall; full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Hyacinth 'White Pearl' begins with the planting of its bulb in fall, ideally in well-drained soil and in an area that receives full to partial sunlight. After planting, the bulb goes through a period of dormancy during the winter, where it requires the cold to trigger growth. As spring approaches, the bulb ends its dormancy and sprouts, with stems emerging from the soil and leaves unfolding. The plant grows rapidly in spring, developing a dense spike of fragrant, white flowers. After blooming, which can last for several weeks, the plant enters a period of senescence: the flowers wilt, and the leaves yellow as the plant redirects energy back into the bulb for the next cycle. To complete its life cycle, the hyacinth bulb goes into a period of summer dormancy, during which it conserves energy and prepares to restart the cycle the following autumn.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Summer to Fall

• Hyacinthus orientalis 'White Pearl', commonly known as the white hyacinth, is traditionally propagated through bulb division. This method is best performed in the fall when the plants are dormant. Gardeners typically dig up the bulbs and gently separate the smaller, offset bulbs, which are known as bulbils or offsets, from the mother bulb. These offsets can be immediately replanted in well-drained soil at a depth of approximately 6 inches (about 15 centimeters), allowing for enough space between them for future growth. It is important to handle the bulbs carefully to avoid damage and ensure they are planted with the pointed end up. Over time, these offsets will grow and develop into flowering plants, generally blooming in the spring.