Hyacinthus x orientalis Multiflora Pink

The Hyacinthus Multiflora Rose produces several flower spikes instead of the single one usually seen in hybrid hyacinths. The star-shaped flowers of this variety are a fairly bright pink, highly fragrant, and have excellent longevity. A special cultivation technique allows multiflora hyacinths to produce multiple daughter bulbs capable of flowering at the same time. Forming a beautiful cluster of light pink and fragrant spikes, with a very natural appearance, this variety is particularly enhanced when planted in a wider pot than it is tall, placed as close to the house as possible. In the garden, grow it in fertile and moist, but well-drained, or even dry soil in summer. Outdoors, it flowers in the middle of the hyacinth season, in March-April.

While the Oriental Hyacinth is rarely cultivated nowadays, 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 can be found naturalized in France in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Alpes-Maritimes, and Lot-et-Garonne regions.

Initially, the Multiflora hyacinth, like all other Oriental hyacinths, has a large oval bulb. The trick is to prevent it from flowering and force it to produce multiple daughter bulbs that will feed off the mother bulb to form individual flower spikes. From spring onwards, this multiple bulb forms a cluster of bright green ribbon-like leaves, from which emerge, in March-April, 8 to 12 robust floral stems, 20 cm (8in) long, bearing loose spikes with several star-shaped flowers, with a thick and waxy substance that seems iridescent in full sunlight, blending different shades of pink, and a sweet fragrance. The foliage is deciduous in summer and reappears at the end of winter.

Among early flowering plants, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. Reserve a special place for it on the terrace, balcony, in the garden, or even on a windowsill, close to the house, to enjoy its fragrance every time you pass by, as it is truly extraordinary when the sun warms the flowers. The multiflora hyacinth will bring colour to the garden, as well as a very natural touch to flower beds, unlike classic varieties that are sometimes considered a bit stiff and artificial. You can easily combine hyacinths 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. Depending on your preferences, 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 of "candied Constantinople hyacinths."