Hyacinth

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Flower Encyclopedia: Hyacinth

Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Caryophyllales Family: Plumbaginaceae Genus: Limonium

The hyacinth is a popular garden plant, also seen in floristry as and when seasonal variation allows. Thanks to advances in cultivation techniques however, it is now available "out of season" from many florists. Especially popular in spring, it also makes a nice autumnal flower, despite this being out of the character of wild hyacinths.

A bulbous herb, hyacinths are actually native to the Mediterranean region. The so-called "Dutch" hyacinth is actually not Dutch at all, but originated in South East Asia. From a single thick stem, the flower has a spiked head consisting of hundreds of tiny flowers. Flowers are always a single colour, but these colours can include blue, white, yellow and pink. There are new cultivars developed every year in an array of colours - the red hyacinth flower looks especially stunning.

While we are most used to the larger "common" hyacinth, the smaller grape hyacinth is also popular, although more so with gardeners. Sometimes referred to as "babys breath" (a name also used by florists to describe a form of gypsophila) the grape hyacinth has a relatively short stem with a pretty cone-shaped flower. Usually bright blue in colour, the pretty flowers can be found in many gardens across the UK, growing in small patches and flowering in early spring. Less commonly seen in floristry, they are perhaps most popular for weddings - spring weddings in particular - and also looks lovely in a traditional country cottage style bouquet. The grape hyacinth is favoured mostly for it's resemblance to the blue bell, which does not really lend itself to floristry, thus making this pretty hyacinth an ideal alternative.

Hyacinths in general have a hypnotic effect on the senses and as a fresh cut flower; they are second to none for their longevity and perfume. Hyacinths need not be cut for you to enjoy them in the home - a small planted arrangement of hyacinths also offers a pretty and even longer-lasting floral display. The bulbs can also be grown in special bulb vases, offering the effect of a fresh cut flower vase, while allowing the hyacinth to continue growing from the bulb. This ensures an exceptional vase life compared to more commonly available fresh cut flowers.

There is nothing more trendy and sweet-smelling than a chunky glass vase containing a small handful of hyacinth stems; no foliage or other flowers required - simplicity is key! If you wish to offer a little variation, they are fantastic when combined with freesia or snap dragons. Either way, the retro chic of the hyacinth makes it a popular choice for many applications and occasions.

Did you know?

In Greek mythology, "Hyacinth" was playing with his friends when a discus blew off course, fatally wounding the young boy with a blow to the head. As he lay in the arms of the God Apollo, legend states that a hyacinth flower grew from the wound in the boys head.