Hyacinths: Your Ultimate Flower Guide

A popular spring flower with a distinctive fragrance, hyacinths are instantly recognisable by their waxy, bell-shaped florets which are densely packed onto thick fleshy stems.

HYACINTH MYTHOLOGY

The hyacinth is referenced in Ancient Greek mythology. According to the legend, a young Hyacinth was killed when Apollo and Zephyrus were fighting over his affections. It is said hyacinths sprung up from his spilled blood.. . In terms of their origins, it is believed the hyacinth was first grown in Constantinople in the sixteenth century. They were later introduced to Europe where hyacinth-lovers bred many new varieties and developed different colours of the fragrant flower. Today, these flowers are mainly grown in Holland.

Scientific name: Hyacinthaceae. Common name: Hyacinth.

Family: Asparagaceae. Availability: November-May.

Vase life: Approx. 7-10 days Colour range: Pure white, cream, salmon, china blue, deep blue, light blue, cerise pink, lilac

A FEW FACTS ABOUT HYACINTHS

These beautiful flowers are quite interesting too. Here's a few things you probably didn't know about Hyacinths:

• Each colour flower has a unique fragrance and hyacinths are commonly used in perfume making.

• The Hyacinth is a member of the same family as the asparagus.

• Hyacinths originated from Turkey and the Middle East, along the eastern shores of the Mediterranean.

FOR THE HOME

Hyacinths look beautiful when arranged in a simple vase or jug. If you would like to introduce other flowers, team them with another seasonal favourite like anemones or tulips.

Hyacinths are also a good flower for low arrangements since the stems are not very long.

FOR BRIDES

The delicate shades and scents of hyacinths make them a popular flower for spring weddings. The flowers lend themselves better to vase arrangements and bridal bouquets as their fleshy stems can make them difficult to anchor into floral foam.

• Rinse and re-cut the stems, leaving as much of the bulb on as possible.

• Stand in clean, fresh, shallow water which should be replaced every other day.

• Use flower food and mist occasionally to prolong vase life.

• Hyacinth flowers can become top heavy; a stick carefully inserted into the stem can give support.

Please Note:

• Hyacinth bulbs can irritate the skin so it is advisable to wear gloves when handling them.