Hyacinths are highly scented bulbs which can also add colour to our gardens and homes in spring.
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:
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.
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.