"Hyacinth"    

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About the Hyacinth

The Hyacinth is also called the Dutch Hyacinth. Its botanical name is Hyacinthus orientalis (pronounced 'Hi-a-sin-thus or-ee-n-ta-liss'). All Hyacinths grown today are cultivars.

The Hyacinth bulb produces a dense, compact spike, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall, of highly fragrant, bell-shaped flowers with reflexed petals. The deliciously scented, waxy, densely-packed florets come in shades of white, peach, orange, salmon, yellow, pink, red, purple, lavender and blue. Hyacinths normal bloom time is March to April. The 7-8 leaves are strap shaped, and a fleshy, glossy green. The Hyacinth bulb is a light purple or cream in color and covered with dry, papery, skin-like layers.

An ancient Greek legend describes the origin of the Hyacinth. Two of the gods, Apollo and Zephyr, adored a handsome young Greek man called Hyakinthos. Apollo was teaching Hyakinthos the art of throwing a discus. Zephyr, who was the god of the west wind, was overcome with jealousy and he blew the discus back. It struck Hyakinthos on the head and killed him. From his blood grew a flower, which the sun god Apollo named after him. The word 'hyacinth' has also surfaced in an ancient language (called 'Thracopelasgian'), which was spoken 4,000 years ago.

The wild Hyacinth is a native of Turkey and the Middle East, along the eastern shores of the Mediterranean. Hyacinths were grown in Europe in the time of the Greeks and Romans. Both Homer and Virgil noted the sweet fragrance. After this, the Hyacinth faded from history, and did not reappear until the 16th century when it was reintroduced into Western Europe from Turkey and Iran. Leonhardt Rauwolf, (a German doctor) collected some Hyacinths when he visited Turkey in 1573.

Hyacinths have been cultivated commercially since the second half of the 16th century. They became very popular in 18th and early 19th century Europe, even creating a speculative market where a Hyacinth bulb was worth a large sum of money. They were used in women's fashions and even in a concoction, mixed with wine, which was supposed to stop beard growth (called 'the scourge of the Arabs'). In the mid-18th century in France, Madame de Pompadour (mistress of King Louis XV) grew masses of Dutch Hyacinths in the gardens of Versailles, and inside the palace in winter had 200 Hyacinths forced on glasses. Today, the hyacinth remains a symbol of style and elegance, filling the spring air with a heady fragrance.

The best time to buy Hyacinth cut flowers is when the lower petals have colored and are starting to open. They are sometimes sold in an earlier stage called sprig Hyacinths. Available in winter and early spring. Nowadays the cut flowers may be sold with some roots still attached at the bottom to make the flowers last longer. Don't cut these off. Just give the stems a good rinse. Hyacinth pot plants are available from November to April. Choose a sturdy, well-shaped plant with shiny, healthy foliage and bright, clear-colored flowers. Avoid plants damaged by insects or disease.

The bulbs are now grown commercially in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. In the Netherlands they are also grown as cut flowers. In the Victorian language of flowers the Hyacinth flower symbolizes sport or play, and the blue hyacinth signifies sincerity.

Blue Giant Hyacinth - a heavenly delft blue.

Plant the Jewel Hyacinth Collection for a colorful, fragrant display the following spring. Please click here for more information.

Check out the latest special offers and great sales prices for your garden supplies. Please click on the image for information.

Treat that special person with this delightful Red Hyacinth Bowl - a real winter pick-me-up . Please click on the image for details.

A touch of Spring - a beautiful trio of pink, white and purple hyacinths. Please click on the image below for details.

Hyacinths in Forcing Vases.

Hyacinths in Pink Gingham Hatbox.