Hyacinthus orientalis

Hyacinths - floriade canberra

Hyacinthus orientalis (blue cultivar) 01

Hyacinthus orientalis, commonly known as the common hyacinth, garden hyacinth, or simply hyacinth, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. It is native to southwestern Asia, southern and central Turkey, northwestern Syria, Lebanon and northern Israel. It is widely cultivated for its striking and fragrant flowers, which appear in early spring and come in a variety of colors including blue, purple, white, and pink.

Description

Hyacinthus orientalis is a bulbous perennial plant, growing to 15–20 cm tall. The leaves are basal, simple, and strap-shaped, with a length of 15–35 cm and a width of 1–3 cm at maturity. The flowers are borne on a raceme, which is a type of inflorescence that is unbranched and bears flowers along its axis. Each raceme can carry up to 50 flowers, each being highly fragrant. The flowers have a tubular shape, which flares out at the ends into six lobes. After flowering, the plant produces a capsule containing seeds.

Cultivation and Uses

Hyacinthus orientalis is widely grown in gardens and as a potted plant indoors for its beautiful flowers and intense fragrance. It prefers well-drained soil and a position in full sun or partial shade. The bulbs are planted in autumn for flowering in spring. Hyacinths are also popular for forcing into early bloom indoors during the winter months.

In addition to their ornamental value, hyacinths have been used in perfumery due to their strong fragrance. However, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and handling the bulbs can cause skin irritation in some people.

Varieties and Hybrids

There are many cultivars of Hyacinthus orientalis, which have been selected for various flower colors and forms. Some popular varieties include 'Blue Jacket', 'Carnegie', 'Delft Blue', and 'Pink Pearl'. Hybrids between Hyacinthus orientalis and other species within the genus Hyacinthus have also been developed to create new cultivars.

Cultural Significance

The hyacinth has a rich history and has been cultivated since ancient times. It appears in Greek mythology, where a young boy named Hyacinthus is killed accidentally, and from his blood, the flower is said to have sprung. This myth is often associated with themes of rebirth and the changing of the seasons.

Conservation

While Hyacinthus orientalis is not currently listed as endangered, its natural habitats are under threat from urbanization and agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts are important to preserve these areas and the biodiversity they support.