Hyacinths are highly scented bulbs which can also add colour to our gardens and homes in spring.
Details
Common name: Hyacinth
Botanical name: Hyacinthus spp. Most commonly known – H. orientalis.
Description: Spring flowering bulbs with spikes of heavily fragrant, waxy flowers. Leaves are deep green, strap-like and form in clumps. Hyacinths grow between 10-20cm (4-8″) tall and come in a wide range of colours with many named varieties including:
- ‘L’Innocence’ – white flowers
- ‘Duke of Westminster’ – deep blue
- ‘Pink Pearl’ – deep rose pink
- ‘City of Haarlem’ – pale yellow
Legend has it: This spring bulb supposedly appeared after the slaying of a handsome Greek youth named Hyacinth. Apollo, the sun god, and Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, were both vying for Hyacinth’s attentions but Apollo won. In a rage, Zephyrus threw a quoit which killed Hyacinth. Where Hyacinth’s blood touched the ground, a bulb is said to have grown.
Breeding: Hyacinths as we know them today were developed from a small wild plant with slender stems and few flowers. Breeders from the Middle East and Holland developed the large flowered varieties grown today.
Likes:
- an open and sunny position
- well drained soil
- cool to mild climate
Uses:
- bowl planting
- bedding plants (for cool areas)
- specimens in bulb vases (in most areas)
- can be used both indoors and outdoors
Growing tips:
- For spring flowers, buy bulbs in later summer for planting in autumn.
- Plant bulbs two to three times their own depth (about 15cm or 6″ deep) and two to three times their width apart (about 15cm or 6″).
- You can grow hyacinth bulbs in specially designed glass vases which hold one bulb at water level (see diagram below). These are called bulb jars. Place one or two pieces of charcoal at the bottom of the vase and keep the water up to the base of the bulb. The glass needs to be situated in a cool room away from sunlight but it should be moved into a warm and bright position once the flower buds begin to show colour. Discard the bulbs after flowering as they don’t give as good a display the following year. Worth trying in all areas where bulbs are available.
- Hyacinths can also be grown indoors in a large shallow pot. Simply plant the hyacinths into bulb fibre or well-drained potting mix.
Availability
Bulbs: Hyacinth bulbs are sold at garden centres in late summer and autumn. They are also available from mail-order bulb specialists such as Tesselaar’s or Bulb Express. Individual bulbs cost around $1.50-$2 each but are generally cheaper if bought in bulk. Contact bulb specialists for a catalogue such as:
Bulb Express – (1800) 677 437
Tesselaar Bulbs and Flowers – (03) 9737 9811 Pots: Potted hyacinths in flower are available from most nurseries in late winter and spring. Small posies of hyacinths are also sold by florists.
Bulb glasses are available in home-ware shops, at some garden centres or from some mail-order bulb specialists. Cost: around $8.50.
