Hyacinthus x orientalis Multiflora White

The Jacinthe Multiflora Blanche produces several flower spikes instead of the single spike typically seen in hybrid hyacinths. The star-shaped flowers of this variety are simple, pure white, highly fragrant, and excellent for both vase arrangements and garden beds. A special cultivation technique allows multiflora hyacinths to produce multiple bulbs capable of flowering simultaneously. Forming a beautiful cluster of airy and fragrant spikes, with a very natural appearance, this variety is particularly showcased in a wider pot rather than a taller one, placed as close to the house as possible. In the garden, cultivate it in fertile and moist, yet well-drained soil, even slightly dry in summer. Outdoors, it blooms in the middle of the hyacinth season, in March-April.

While the Oriental Hyacinth is no longer widely cultivated, this species, native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, has given rise to countless highly valued cultivars in gardens for their delightful spring flowering, as well as 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 Multiflora hyacinth, like its counterpart, belongs to the hyacinth family, or asparagus family. Initially, it has a large oval bulb, like all other Oriental hyacinths. The trick is to prevent it from flowering and force it to produce multiple daughter bulbs that will feed on the mother bulb to form individual flower spikes. From spring onwards, this multiple bulb forms a cluster of vibrant shiny green ribbon-like leaves, from which emerge, in March-April, 8 to 12 robust floral stems, 20 cm (8in) long, bearing loose spikes of several white, star-shaped flowers with a thick, waxy substance that appears iridescent in full sun, and a sweet fragrance. The foliage is deciduous in summer and reappears in late winter. Multiflora hyacinths, obtained through a rather complex cultivation technique, require an additional year of cultivation and care before they can be commercialized.

Among early spring blooms, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. Reserve a special spot for it on the terrace, balcony, in the garden, or even on a windowsill, close to the house to enjoy its fragrance with every passing by, as it is truly extraordinary when the sun warms the flowers. The multiflora hyacinth will bring colour to the garden, but also a very natural touch to beds, unlike classic varieties that are sometimes considered a bit stiff and artificial. 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. Depending on preferences, they can be crystallized with sugar or added to fruit salads. In the past, they were considered a delicacy known as "candied Constantinople hyacinths".