Hyacinth orientalis growing in South Florida

Question

We received a Hyacinth orientalis as a house-warming gift. Very pretty, with pink flowers. It was grown in Canada and now I am trying to decide how to care for it in the Florida Keys (temperate zone 11). I have read that it requires partial to full sun (or bright light) and protection from freezing, neither are issues here. My real question is with the heat, humidity and amount of sun where we have. What is the best way for me to keep this plant alive and, hopefully, help it to thrive? Pot on the porch, partially shaded area in a flower bed, indoors next to a window? I can’t quite figure it out. We had it in partial sun for a couple days on the porch and the blooms soon began to droop, even with probably too much water.

Any assistance you can offer would be appreciated!
KEN THOMPSON

Answer 1

In the southern climate, some spring bulbs, such as the Hyacinth are treated as an annual.
They need a chilling period in order to bloom.
If you choose to attempt blooming again, you will need to place the bulbs in a refrigerator for a minimum of 8 weeks or longer.
Here are some links with more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/hyacinth/planting-and-care-of-hyacinths.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/forced-bulbs-in-pots-yearly.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/storing-bulbs-in-south.htm

Answer 2

I appreciate the information, however I’d like to ask an even more basic question: Ground or pot? Which would be easiest in the Zone 11 area in which we live? I don’t mind taking care of it outdoors, but was curious if I want it to bloom each year I need to dig it up and refrigerate? For that matter, even indoors with a constant temp in the mid-70’s, it appears that if I ever want it to bloom again, I will need to dig it up and refrigerate? Does that kind of sum up the advice?
Thanks for any help!