Anywho...I would say they would prefer dry summer conditions. Check out the link below.

Sue

Ok...here is what it says at the bottom of that page.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS OUTDOORS – Hyacinths like rich, well-drained soil that’s dry in summer and full sun. Best in zones 5-7, they can succeed in zones 4 (well-mulched) and 8, too. Most grow 10-12 inches tall. We send 15-17 cm bulbs, the best size for gardens.

Some people are allergic to hyacinth bulbs, developing a localized itch, so you may want to handle them with gloves. Plant in mid-fall. If necessary, store till then in open bags in a cool, dry spot.

Hyacinths do best when DRY (but not hot) in summer. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil, avoiding or improving clay or damp soil, or plant in raised beds. Plant bulbs with base 6-8 inches deep and 5-7 inches apart on center (or closer for a lush look). Scratch a tablespoon of bulb fertilizer into the surface soil (slow-release 10-10-10 is ideal). Water.

A light, airy winter mulch such as straw, oak leaves, or pine boughs is helpful in colder zones to minimize root damage from soil repeatedly freezing and thawing.

For best results, re-fertilize lightly spring and fall, and assure even moisture then. After bloom, strip off spent florets but allow foliage to yellow (to feed the bulbs for next year’s bloom) before removing. Close the hole left in the soil by the withering foliage to deter pests. And keep those bulbs dry!

It looks like you might be pushing the envelope on the warm end of the zone.

Sue

linnea, I have read that the old Romans are "very similar" to the Festivals. I'll be grateful for any insights you have.

I am Zone 5, and the festivals have been hardy here. I see the Romans are supposed to be hardy only to zone 6.

They are VERY prolific, to the point where I now have pink hyacinths bordering practically everything. Most of mine are in a mixed perennial bed, where they get summer conditions that are never really the "dry" that bulbs are said to like. Maybe I have been lucky, and that actually slowed them down. I will have to compare…last year I moved a bunch to a much drier bed.

Compared to "regular" hyacinths, the festivals grow taller and can flop. But because the flowers are less densely packed on the stem, they have less weight too, so most stand up perfectly well. I like the looser, more naturalistic style. Leaves are narrower and easier to hide. Nice scent, maybe not as heavy as regular hyacinths.

Hope this helps!