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hyacinth
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BOTANICAL NAME
Hyacinthus orientalis
(hy-a-SIN-thus or-ee-en-TAL-is)
COMMON NAMES
Hyacinth, Dutch hyacinth,
Common hyacinth, Garden hyacinth
DESCRIPTION
Hyacinths are herbaceous
perennials that grow from bulbs. Their fragrant, waxy
bell-shaped florets form in large spikes on the upper 4 to 6
inches of thick, fleshy and leafless stems (scapes), which grow
8 to 12 inches in length. Hyacinth inflorescences typically bear
30 to 70 florets; the number is dependent on the size of the
bulb. Larger bulbs, which generally produce 60 to 70 florets,
are most often used for indoor potted plants.
COLORS
Hyacinths are available in
a range of pinks (pale pink to hot pink), blues (light blue to
dark blue and blue-violet), and violets (lavender to dark
purple) as well as red, salmon/peach/apricot/coral, yellow and
white/ivory.
DECORATIVE LIFE
Potted hyacinths typically
last one to two weeks at the consumer level, depending on their
maturity at the time of sale and the environmental conditions in
which they’re displayed.
AVAILABILITY
Hyacinth plants are most
readily available from January through April although some
suppliers force them for the December holidays.
VARIETIES
Around 100 cultivars
of hyacinths are commercially cultivated, but around 25 of them
represent nearly 90 percent of the total world production.
IN-STORE AND CONSUMER CARE
LIGHT
Bright indirect light is required; protect plants from direct
sunlight.
WATER
Keep compost evenly moist at all times, watering lightly but
frequently.
TEMPERATURE
Cooler environments (55 F to 65 F) are best for displaying
hyacinth plants—never higher than 70 F.
HUMIDITY
Hyacinths prefer moderately humid environments. Occasional light
misting or placing pots on pebble trays can provide the required
humidity.
FERTILIZER
None is required, but a liquid bulb-plant fertilizer added to
the water helps support longer-lasting flowers.
GROWING
MEDIA
Hyacinths can be grown in fast-draining soil, pebbles, marbles
or water. When grown in water, the roots should be suspended in
the water, with the bulbs remaining above the water line.
Hourglass-shaped hyacinth vases are ideal for hydroponic
growing.
ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY
Hyacinths are not particularly sensitive to ethylene gas.
REBLOOMING
Cut off flower heads but not the stems. Continue watering and
feeding until the leaves have withered. Remove the bulbs from
the pot, and allow them to dry. Then cut off the dead foliage.
Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place. Replant them outside in
the fall; forced bulbs will not rebloom indoors.
CARE EXTRAS
Hyacinth stems often require staking to hold up the top-heavy
flower stems. To prolong flower life, instruct consumers to move
pots into the coolest rooms in their homes at night.
CHALLENGES
YELLOW LEAVES
Drafts are the usual
reason, but incorrect watering and/or insufficient light also
can be causes.
SKIN
IRRITATIONS
Hyacinth bulbs can cause skin irritations in some people. Advise
customers of this possibility, and caution them to wash their
hands if they touch the bulbs.
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WHAT'S IN A
NAME
The genus name Hyacinthus was given to these bulb flowers in
honor of Hyakinthos, a youthful Spartan prince of great
beauty in Greek mythology who was accidentally killed when
he was hit in the head by a discus thrown by the Greek god
Apollo. The specific epithet “orientalis” means “from the
Orient” or “Eastern.”
FAMILY MATTERS
Hyacinthus is a member of the Liliaceae (lily) family. Close
flower relatives include lilies, lilies-of-the-valley, glory
lilies (Gloriosas), grape hyacinths and stars-of-Bethlehem
(Ornithogalum).
HOME SWEET
HOME
Hyacinths are native to the western Mediterranean region,
from Greece through Asia Minor (Turkey, Cyprus, Syria,
Lebanon and Israel) and North Africa (Egypt and Libya).
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Some information provided by:
Chain of Life Network®,
www.chainoflifenetwork.org
Complete Houseplant Survival Manual, The, by Barbara Pleasant
Houseplant Encyclopedia, The, by Ingrid Jantra and Ursula
Kruger
New House Plant Expert, The, by Dr. D.G. Hessayon
SAF Flower & Plant Care, by Terril A Nell, Ph.D. and Michael S.
Reid, Ph.D.
Spring-flowering Bulbs
Stearn’s Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners, by William T.
Stearn
Photo courtesy of Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center
(NFBIC) |
