Hyacinthus Gipsy Queen - Garden Hyacinth

Hyacinthus x orientalis 'Gipsy Queen' is an old variety of hyacinth introduced as early as 1927, awarded by the prestigious R.H.S in England. With a rare, pastel colour, intermediate between soft coral pink and orange, this hyacinth allows for numerous associations in the garden, in an elegant register with tones of white or cream, or bolder when mixed with purple or blue flowers. Its single, star-shaped flowers with a waxy texture are tightly packed on a 20 cm (8in) long spike. It should be planted near the house, in the ground or in pots, to fully enjoy its beauty and delightful scent.

Hyacinthus orientalis is a species native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions that has given rise to countless cultivars. Highly appreciated in gardens, cultivated varieties bloom early in spring, and their forcing ability has made them popular in floristry. They belong to the family of hyacinthaceae, or asparagaceae according to classifications.

The 'Gipsy Queen' hyacinth has a large oval bulb and forms a clump of bright green ribbon-like leaves from spring, from which a sturdy floral stem emerges in April, measuring 25 cm (10in) in length, bearing numerous star-shaped flowers with a thick, translucent substance, brushed with delicate apricot shades and blush pink. The overall view gives a very dense spike of soft salmon pink to orange. The foliage is deciduous in summer; it reappears in late winter. Oriental hybrid hyacinths generally tolerate frost of around -15°C (5°F).

Among early bloomers, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. Reserve a prime spot for it in the garden, near the entrance of the house to enjoy its scent with every passing. It will bring spectacular splashes of colour to your flowerbeds. Hyacinths can easily be paired with other early bulbs such as Chionodoxas or early-flowering Tulips. Their flowers are edible, raw or cooked, and have a slightly mucilaginous texture. Depending on preferences, they can be candied or added to fruit salads. In the past, they were considered a delicacy under the name of "candied Constantinople hyacinths".