Hyacinthus x orientalis Atlantic

The Atlantic Hyacinth is renowned for being one of the hardiest varieties of hybrid hyacinths. This bulbous plant forms beautiful and generous clusters of highly fragrant flowers in an intense blue-violet shade. Its spikes bloom from February to March, even during freezing periods. It can be grown in the garden, in fertile and well-drained soil, as well as in pots for winter flowering indoors.

While the Oriental Hyacinth is no longer widely cultivated, this species native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions has given rise to countless cultivars highly appreciated in gardens for their delightful spring flowering or in floristry for their forcing ability. This botanical species can be found naturalized in France in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Alpes-Maritimes, and Lot-et-Garonne.

The Atlantic hyacinth, just like its relative, belongs to the family of hyacinthaceae, or asparagaceae. It has a large oval bulb and forms a clump of bright green ribbon-like leaves from spring onwards. In March-April, a robust floral stem, 25 cm (10in) in length, emerges, bearing numerous star-shaped flowers with 6 pointed petals, tightly packed together, and with a thick and waxy texture. The overall colour is blue-violet, accentuated by a central vein of darker indigo violet in the center of each petal. The foliage, wide and vibrant green, is deciduous in summer and reappears at the end of winter.

Among early bloomers, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. Reserve a special place for it in the garden, near the entrance of the house, to enjoy its fragrance every time you pass by. It will bring spectacular splashes of colour to your flower beds. Hyacinths can be easily paired with other early bulbs such as Chionodoxas, hybrid crocuses, or early-flowering Tulipa humilis. Their flowers are edible, both raw and cooked, and have a slightly mucilaginous texture. They can be candied with sugar or added to fruit salads according to taste. In the past, they were considered a delicacy and could be found under the name of "candied Constantinople hyacinths".