Hyacinthus x orientalis Mix

This mix of Oriental Hyacinths brings together several varieties and cultivars with single flowers of various colours.  Their flower spikes release a sweet and sugary scent on mild days, and when exposed to the sun, which charms and surprises with its strength. Hyacinths are cultivated both in the garden, in fertile and moist but well-drained soil, and in pots for winter flowering indoors. Outdoors, they bloom from early March to late April, depending on the varieties and the climate.

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

Oriental Hyacinth belongs to the family of hyacinthaceae, or asparagaceae. This plant has a large oval bulb and forms a clump of ribbon-like leaves of a bright green colour from spring onwards. From spring onwards, a robust floral stem, 20-25 cm (8-10in) long, emerges, bearing numerous star-shaped flowers, tightly packed together, with a thick and iridescent substance. Cultivated hyacinths come in a beautiful range of colours, including shades of blue, purple, red, pink, white, yellow, and orange. This nectar-rich flowering is a good source of food for bees when flowers are still scarce in the garden. To prevent the plant from exhausting itself by producing fruits, it is strongly recommended to prune the faded flower spikes. The foliage is deciduous in summer and reappears in late winter.

Among early bloomers, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. Reserve a prominent place for it in the garden, not far from the entrance of the house or along a pathway to enjoy its fragrance with every passing. It will bring spectacular splashes of colour to your flower beds. Hyacinths can easily be paired with other early bulbs such as Chionodoxas, hybrid crocuses, or early Tulips humilis. Their flowers are edible, raw or cooked, and have a slightly mucilaginous texture. Depending on your preference, you can crystallize them with sugar or incorporate them into fruit salads. In the past, they were considered a delicacy and could be found under the name "candied hyacinths of Constantinople".