Dutch Hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis
(hy-uh-SIN-thus) (or-ee-en-TAY-liss)
Almost everyone knows this sweet smelling flower. They aren’t blooming here yet but I did see some of the foliage popped out of the ground the other day. I bought these for Easter and have kept them outside on the front step. It is amazing to me that they really took some cold nights (guessing the mid-teens F) with just a little tinge of damage on the top of one of the stalks, which is hardly noticeable. Hyacinths are very hardy in the ground surviving into USDA Zone 3, but this the first time I could see how hardy the flower was. Gardeners south of Zone 7 should treat them as annuals.
There are over 60 cultivars to choose from with a great range of colors. The six lobed petals range from lightly spreading to fully reflexed. There are single and double flowered types and many are strongly scented. This pink one didn’t have a cultivar name but it was nice getting a whiff of it while photographing it in the late afternoon sun. I am wondering if this is one of the Multiflora Group, as it has several stalks per plant.
I like these flowers planted in masses or at least large clumps. They mix well with daffodils and mid-season tulips. I plant annuals over them to hide the foliage after they are done blooming.
6 comments:
It is interesting that we live not more than several hundred miles apart yet our hyacinths have been blooming for at least 3 weeks now.
I think we are probably a few hundred miles apart at the most since I live in SW CT. I think the general rule is for every 100 miles south you go the season is one week ahead. There other factors like elevation, maritime influence and urban areas but that sounds about right. Connecticut has been really cold this March. Glad you stopped by.
Hyacinths are great - and your shots of them supurb! /Katarina
Beautiful photos of beautiful flowers!
Hi Chris ... lovely photo. I have Hyacinth blooming (though not yet with this sleepy Spring), almost as old as I am (hard to believe but true). They are very happy in my garden and since the foliage never seems to fade, I over-plant with friendly iris and other cheerful faces. Can't wait to hit the garden ... a bit weary shooting inside. Wishing you a joyful spring!
hyacinth colors have certainly evolved since I was little - a deep red, yellow , orange dark purple..sk a favorite for sure
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