Guest Author - Nikki Phipps

The Alpine hyacinth (Brimeura amethystina syn. Hyacinthus amethystinus), also known as the Amethyst hyacinth or hyacinth of Spain, is a small-flowered bulb that looks a lot like bluebells rather than an actual hyacinth. A native of Spain, this interesting plant is certainly one worth having in the garden. Brimeura is a bulbous genus that was formerly regarded as Hyacinthus. This group of hardy bulbs has stalks of small blue or white, bell-shaped flowers that appear after most hyacinths have finished blooming.

The Alpine hyacinth is a fall-planted bulb and extremely easy to grow and care for. In fact, their care is much the same as with its familiar hyacinth counterpart. Alpine hyacinths like to be grown in full sun or partial shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. The bulbs of Alpine hyacinth will naturalize without any special care, and they can withstand mild periods of frost. However, you may want to add a generous layer of mulch after the first hard frost to help insulate these bulbs. The white or blue flowers of Alpine hyacinth are useful for a wide variety of purposes. The dwarf variety of Alpine hyacinths (B. fastigiata syn. H. fastigiatus) is grown and cared for much the same but offers pink flowers in addition to white and pale blue ones. Use these attractive plants as mass plantings in mixed beds and borders. Grow them in containers or allow them to naturalize in a nearby wooded setting. Alpine hyacinths are excellent bulbs for naturalizing in rock gardens as well.

Once Alpine hyacinth begins to bloom, you can expect to enjoy their lovely flowers for at least a three-week period. Even better is the fact that these plants are also quite resistant to pests such as deer, squirrels, and rabbits. So where do you get these charming little beauties? Here’s a few noteworthy suppliers that sell the alpine hyacinth: Your Backyard Garden, Nature Hills, and Avon Bulbs. Don’t overlook these gems in the garden. Plant them this fall for a stunning display come late spring.