Until not long ago, hyacinths (hyacinthus), as a member of the hyacinth family, formed their own genus in botany. Due to new classifications, spring bloomers are now only considered a subfamily of the asparagus family (asparagaceae).
What are hyacinth plants?
Hyacinthaceae are a subfamily of the Asparagus family and include plant species such as Bellevalia, Brimeura, Hyacinthoides, Muscari, Ornithogalum, Puschkinia and Scilla. They are known for their spring blooms and bee-friendliness, but can be mildly poisonous.
Other members of the hyacinth family
There are numerous plant species that are classified as hyacinths. These include:
- Bellevalia (Bellevalien)
- Brimeura (meadow hyacinth)
- Hyacinthoides (Harebells)
- Muscari (pearl or grape hyacinths)
- Ornithogalum (Milky Star)
- Puschkinia (cone flower)
- Scilla (Squill)
Many of the plants belonging to the Hyacinth subfamily are popularly referred to simply as hyacinths.
The best-known species are Scilla and Muscari, which are native to our latitudes and are often found wild in gardens. But the small spring bloomers also appear on forest edges and field edges.
Only the hyacinth (hyacinthus) is grown
Hardly any of the wild species of the hyacinth family are bred like the hyacinth (hyacinthus) and cultivated for home and garden use.
The wild forms almost exclusively develop blue or white-blue flowers. The hyacinth was originally only available in these colors. It was only through breeding that varieties in many other colors were developed.
This also applies to the scent. The small spring bloomers usually only have a slight scent, while the scent of the hyacinth is very intense.
Caring for the wild forms of the hyacinth family in the garden
The wild forms of the hyacinth family are relatively easy to keep in the garden. Once planted or sown, they come back every year. The pretty spring bloomers don't need much care.
Since they bloom very early, the location plays almost no role. The trees are not yet leafy at this point, so the spring flowers get enough light and sun everywhere.
The small representatives of the hyacinth family are therefore very suitable for growing wild in the garden. They cover bare spots in spring and provide the first color in the flowerbed.
Attention: Danger of poisoning
All members of the hyacinth family are slightly poisonous. Children and pets should therefore be careful when these plants grow in the garden.
Tips & Tricks
What all hyacinth plants have in common is their great use as bee pasture in spring. Especially with the original forms, the flowers are often the first food that insects find outdoors after the winter break.