Honest review: Hyacinth is rewarding but squirrel and mouse predation on newly planted bulbs is real

Hyacinth is a genuinely satisfying plant to grow, but I want to be upfront about one thing: squirrel and mouse predation on newly planted bulbs. I've dealt with it twice now and it takes consistent attention to manage.

Beyond that, some of the earliest colour in the garden after winter makes it one of my favourites in the collection. I keep it in a naturalised lawn planting for a wild spring effect which suits it well. Learning about lifting and drying tender bulbs before autumn frosts has been essential. earliest crocuses and snowdrops emerging in late winter is worth waiting for — the plant really justifies itself then. Four stars because of that persistent issue.