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Hyacinths
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The name Hyacinth derives from the Greek 'hycinthus', the deity of all that grows. The bulbs originate in the Mediterranean and were known as Hyacinthus orientalis. This is the name for the lily family and part of the name of other species from the same family, fore example the Scilla and, even more outstanding, the Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth). The latter even has the great ability to cleanse polluted water. In this way, the strongly scented, unusual plant can turn waste into something gracious and beautiful.
Each stalk of the hyacinth is covered in hundreds of small chalice-like flowers, which give the plant a sturdy appearance.
Hyacinths are planted mainly for their scent. Their delicious aroma is reason enough to plant a few hyacinths in any garden as homage to spring. But another reason to plant them is that they are just about the only spring bulbs that produce the colour blue. This is a marvellous colour that provides definition between other early bloomers such as Aubrieta, creeping phlox and grey-leafed Cerastium. Some species flower in such abundance that they will have to be supported with a stick.
But the other tints in which hyacinths are cultivated are also more than worthwhile. If you prefer slightly less aristocratic flowers, you could try the multi-floral hyacinths. The flowers of these types resemble the traditional hyacinth, Hyacinthus orientalis, from which all hyacinths originate. They are smaller and looser in form, which makes them less dominant.
The hyacinth prefers humous, limy and somewhat course soil. Only under those circumstances will the hyacinth give you maximum growth and an abundance of flowers!
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