[2] It is native to eastern and south-eastern Europe through to northern Iran, reaching as far south as Palestine.

[4] Hyacinthella species grow from bulbs whose tunics often bear powdery white crystals.

The inflorescences consist of short spikes (racemes) of tubular flowers, each with six short lobes, in colours ranging from pale blue to deep violet.

[5] They grow in rocky habitats, such as hillsides, which are hot and dry in the summer.

[4] As of July 2014[update], the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families accepted 17 species:[6] Some species are in cultivation, where they require a dry summer rest and are not suitable for growing in the open garden in areas with cooler, wetter summers.