Hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis
Family: Asparagaceae · Also called Dutch Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth, Scilla coronaria
Floral · Spring bloomer
The hyacinth packs one of the most powerful fragrances in the spring garden into a compact, densely packed flower spike. Each stem carries 40-100 individual bell-shaped florets, creating a solid column of color and scent. The fragrance is so strong that a few bulbs forced indoors can overwhelm a room, gorgeous in moderation, dizzying in excess.
constancy, sport, rashness, playfulness
In the Victorian language of flowers, hyacinth means “Constancy and sincerity”. In Greek mythology, Hyacinthus was a beautiful youth loved by Apollo. When he died, the flower sprang from his blood, the markings on the petals said to spell 'AI' (alas). The Dutch led hyacinth breeding from the 1730s, and by 1768 over 2,000 cultivars existed. Today's varieties descend from those Dutch masterpieces.
Did You Know?
During the Dutch 'hyacinth mania' of the 1730s, rare double hyacinths sold for prices rivaling Tulipmania. A single bulb of 'King of Great Britain' sold for 100 guilders, a year's wages. The sap can cause skin irritation known as 'hyacinth itch,' so florists wear gloves when handling them.
Rocky hillsides and sparse woodlands of Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria
Hyacinth is native to Eastern Mediterranean. It naturally grows in rocky hillsides and sparse woodlands of turkey, lebanon, and syria.
Scent Profile
“A powerful, sweet-green fragrance with balsamic and honeyed depth, one of the strongest bulb scents, capable of perfuming an entire room from a single bloom.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameHyacinthus orientalis
- FamilyAsparagaceae
- Native ToEastern Mediterranean
- Bloom SeasonSpring
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
In Greek mythology, Hyacinthus was a beautiful youth loved by Apollo. When he died, the flower sprang from his blood, the markings on the petals said to spell 'AI' (alas). The Dutch led hyacinth breeding from the 1730s, and by 1768 over 2,000 cultivars existed. Today's varieties descend from those Dutch masterpieces.