The hyacinth is easily recognised by its fragrance, full of the optimism of spring in the heart of winter. It is like no other plant, bringing a sense of joy during the dark days of winter with its vibrant colours and full scent, a source of light during the winter months and a favourite spring-flowering bulb alongside the daffodils and tulips.
The hyacinth is a bulbous plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family and is native to Turkey and the Middle East along the Mediterranean Sea. Though take care not to confuse the common hyacinth (hyacinthus orientalis) with fully open flowers for the Muscari, or Grape Hyacinth.
Grown in Europe in the empires of the Greek and Romans, the hyacinth faded from history and did not reappear until the 16th Century when it was reintroduced into Western Europe from Iran and Turkey by Leonhardt Rauwolf, a German doctor. It was greeted by immediate success, and has been cultivated ever since. Bulbs are now cultivated commercially in the Netherlands for the floral industry but also the perfume trade, though most hyacinth perfumes sold are synthetic.
Hyacinths grow from bulbs that normally produce 4 to 6 linear leaves and up to 3 spikes of flowers and are known for their very rich colours. Available in blue, purple, red, pink, yellow, orange, white, red and more!
A Greek Legend
Its name comes from the mythical hero Hyacinthus (Hyakinthos in Greek). According to Ancient Greek legend, two of the gods, Apollo and Zephir adored a handsome young Greek, Hyakinthos – son of the King of Sparta Amyklas. Apollo was teaching the young man the art of throwing a discus when Zephir, god of wind, overwhelmed with jealousy blew the discus back. Struck on the head, Hyakinthos died and from where his blood fell on the ground grew a beautiful flower that Apollo named after him.
Even to this day, centuries later, the hyacinth still receives admiring glances. The hyacinth is sure to sit at home in any spot in the house, sharing its colour and scent with the room.
Feel Better
Hyacinth is typically a plant with an abundance of flowers that are known to improve welfare and promote the feeling of wellness. Many studies have been conducted to prove that the hyacinth improves your environment, not only by bringing brightness to a room during the dark days with its blooms.
Care
Hyacinth is avery easy-going plant and will be perfectly happy in any environment requiring little more than regular watering and indirect sunlight. You’ll be glad to know no fertilizer is required and only an annual application of compost. After that plant has finished flowering in spring, cut back the flower stalks but let the leaves die and dry naturally. Take care to remember that hyacinth bulbs are poisonous and contain oxalic acid, we highly recommend protective gloves to avoid mild skin irritation.
Now is the perfect time to enjoy them inside before the first bulbs bloom in the gardens outside. A very pleasant scented plant, the hyacinth is perfect or making anyone happy. Check out our plant collection and find the perfect colour combination to match either their favourite colour or the colour of their home. Our online florist shop is open 24/7, making it easier than ever to have flowers delivered to make your friends, family, colleagues and loved ones happy, noticed and remembered.
