Hyacinthus x orientalis Madame Sophie

The Madame Sophie Hyacinth imposes itself in the garden with the beautiful size of its clusters of light flowers, sown with double stars of a barely ivory-tinged white, and endowed with a very beautiful fragrance. This variety of oriental hyacinth, introduced in 1929, is animated by a somewhat "retro" charm, distinguished but very natural, which doesn't lack class. Remarkable in flower beds and flower pots, this very reliable variety proves to be both hardy and long-lasting in the garden, faithfully returning and blooming year after year.

The Oriental Hyacinth is almost no longer cultivated, this slender species with small spikes of blue flowers, originating from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, has given rise to countless cultivars called Dutch Hyacinths, highly appreciated in gardens for their delightfully fragrant spring flowering or in floristry for their forcing ability. This naturalized botanical species can be found in France in Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Alpes-Maritimes, and Lot-et-Garonne.

The Madame Sophie hyacinth, just like it, belongs to the hyacinthaceae family, or asparagaceae family. This old cultivar is considered to be a double sport of the 'Innocence' variety. It has a large oval bulb and forms a clump of bright green ribbon-like leaves from spring onwards, from which a robust flower stem emerges in March-April, measuring 25 cm (10in) in length, bearing green buds that open into double flowers, 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) wide, not tightly packed together compared to certain modern varieties. These flowers are thick and waxy, almost white, and highly fragrant. The flowering is nectar-rich, attracting butterflies. It is accompanied by deciduous foliage, disappearing in summer and reappearing at the end of winter. It consists of bright green leaves measuring 15 to 35 cm (6 to 14in) in length. This hyacinth reaches a height of 30-35 cm (12-14in) at maturity. This variety is very hardy.

Among early blooms, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. The Madame Sophie Hyacinth, particularly long-lasting, can be grown both as a border plant and in pots or vases. In the ground, it will renew itself for several years. In a pot, it will last no more than one season. Reserve a special place for it in the garden, not far from the entrance of the house to enjoy its fragrance with every passing. It will bring spectacular splashes of colour to your flower beds. The hyacinths can easily be paired with other early bulbs such as Chionodoxas, hybrid crocuses, or early-flowering Tulips humilis. Their flowers are edible, raw or cooked, and have a slightly mucilaginous texture. Depending on your preferences, you can crystallize them with sugar or add them to fruit salads. In the past, they were a delicacy that could be found under the name of "candied Constantinople hyacinths".