Hyacinth
A fragrant spring bulb from southern Anatolia and the Levant; single-flowered forms give bees early nectar and pollen.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 0,2-0,3 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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The wild form of hyacinth grows on stony slopes in southern and south-eastern Anatolia, Syria and Lebanon, bearing sparse, blue-violet, very fragrant flowers. Garden hyacinths are cultivated forms selected from this species, with much denser flowers. Single flowers give nectar and pollen; in double varieties their value for bees drops sharply.
Flowering
It flowers for 2-3 weeks in March and April. Wild plants usually flower slightly earlier than garden varieties.
Honey and pollen
It makes no contribution to honey production; it is a small source for spring brood. No reliable record of the pollen load colour was found.
Note for the beekeeper
For planting aimed at bees, choose single varieties close to the wild type. The bulbs can irritate the skin, so wearing gloves when planting is advisable.