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The Hyacinths
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The Hyacinth
is a member of the large and lovely Lily Family.
(Consider its tubular florets and intense
fragrance and you’ll understand the connection.)
Hyacinths
thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to
partial shade. Throughout most of the U.S.,
they will return year after year, adding beauty
and fragrance to garden beds and indoor bouquets.
Dutch bulb growers have cultivated Hyacinths
since the 17th century. By 1838, these brilliantly
coloured spring gems had become so popular
that more than 2,000 varieties were available!
The uniform, upright shape of the flower spikes
and jewel-tone colours made Hyacinths
a favourite for formal Victorian gardens.
Now 21st century gardeners are rediscovering
this classic flowering bulb, which complements
gardens of all sizes and styles. |
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For a bold, dramatic effect in your spring
landscape, fill an entire bed with a single
Hyacinth
variety, or plant masses of Hyacinths
to form a large, gently curving swath of
colour. For even more visual excitement,
plant a single variety of tulip of a contrasting
colour along both sides of the Hyacinths
-- choose a tulip that will bloom simultaneously
with your hyacinths.
For a more informal look, mix Hyacinths
of various colours with tulips, daffodils,
pansies, primroses and other spring-blooming
flowers. Be sure to plant a few groups along
a walkway, where you can enjoy their fragrance
each time you pass. Hyacinths are also one
of the easiest bulbs to grow in pots.
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You can easily
force your Hyacinths
indoors. You will need a Hyacinth
bulb vase – a special glass vase
with a pinched neck and bulb-sized “cup”
at the top. Most garden centers carry several
shapes and colors. 1. Place the bulb in the
top of the vase. Fill the vase with water
to just below the bulb (add a piece of charcoal
to help prevent algae growth). Place the vase
in a cool, dark place for two months. Check
the water level weekly to make sure it is
just under the base of the bulb. 2. After
eight to ten weeks, place the vase in a dimly
lit place. By now you should see roots extending
into the water and a shoot growing upwards.
If the roots have not developed well enough,
put the bulb back in the dark for a few weeks
more. |
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3. Over the next three weeks, slowly bring
the vase into a warmer, brighter position,
but no more than 65 degrees. Too much heat
at this stage can result in a rush into
flowering before the stem has developed
enough height. 4. Four to six weeks after
bringing the vase out of the dark, your
Hyacinth
will be in full bloom! Keep it in a bright
spot with diffused light. Full sun will
cause it to age quickly. After flowering,
transplant into your garden.
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Some of our Favorite Hyacinths:
| English
Bluebells |
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Originally from
southern England, these old-fashioned violet-blue
beauties are incredible naturalizers that
last up to 4 weeks in the garden and multiply
impressively each year. Strong stems with
masses of dainty blue blooms are great for
borders, beds, rock gardens and ground covers.
Hyacinthoides non-scripta Zones 5-8. 7-8 cm
bulbs. (buy) |
| Blue
Grap Hyacinths |
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Sprinkle your landscape
with these carefree, fragrant, cobalt-blue
clusters of bell-shaped flowers. Charming
when planted en masse. Zones 4-9. 8-9 cm bulbs.
(buy) |
| Winter
Blues Hyacinths |
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Guaranteed to lift
your spirits after a long winter season. Calgary
Tulips are held on sturdy stems atop thick
masses of Blue Grape Hyacinths. Tulip flowers
actually resemble the blooms of roses. Makes
a truly dramatic combination for any sunny
garden location. Includes 7 Calgary Tulips
and 25 Blue Grape Hyacinths. (buy) |
Quick Hyacinth Fact:
The Garden Hyacinth, Hyacinthus orientalis, is
a perennial flowering plant which has a pedigree
going back hundreds of years to Asia Minor via
Italy, France (where it is used in perfumery)
and Holland. They are best known for their clusters
of fragrant, brightly-colored flowers.
These hyacinths grow from 12-18" (30-45
cm) in height with a spread of about 6-9"
(15-22 cm). They grow from bulbs, but will only
persist in cold-weather regions. They have green,
strap-shaped, basal leaves. Their large, fragrant
12" flower spikes are tightly packed with
small tubular blossoms. Colors vary from blue,
white, pale yellow, pink, red or purple.
The Garden Hyacinth blooms in the early spring.
They grow best in full sun to part shade in well-drained,
but not dry, soil.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Hyacinthaceae
Genus: Hyacinthus
Species: H. orientalis
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