The hyacinth flower impresses with its unusual form of inflorescence, a riot of colors and a wonderful aroma. The Dutch, who began cultivating the flower back in the 18th century, creating new varieties, called them the names of their lovers, and emphasized the names of the new variety. They immortalized the name of their compatriot, a great artist, a representative of the golden age of the Dutch school of painting - Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Dyck, giving this name to the “blueest” of hyacinths with a luxurious fragrant inflorescence of blue-violet flowers framed by a white border.
The History of Hyacinth: Legends and Myths
"Hyacinth" in Greek means "rain flower", there are many myths about its appearance.
The luxury of color during flowering
Inspired by legends, slightly covered with the secrets of their appearance, hyacinths are considered flowers of love, fidelity, happiness and ... sadness. In Greece, he is called the flower of memory of Hyacinth, one of the gods of ancient Sparta, a beautiful young man who died during competitions with Apollo. Apollo, who threw the disc, accidentally hit them in the head of Hyacinth. Blood sprinkled to the ground sprinkled green grass, and after a while lilac-red flowers with a wonderful aroma grew in that place. The saddened Apollo named the flower in the name of his deceased friend. For more than a thousand years, this legend remains the most famous interpretation of the appearance of hyacinth.
Much later, another legend appeared: when the Trojan War was fought, Ajax and Odysseus declared their right to Achilles' weapons after his death. The Council of Elders sided with Odysseus, this injustice struck Ajax, and he pierced himself with a sword. Hyacinth grew from the drops of his blood, the shape of the flower's petals resembled the first letters of his name α (alpha) and Υ (ipsilon).
Botanical description of the plant
What is hyacinth? This is a perennial herbaceous bulbous plant with a height of 20-40 cm.
What does hyacinth look like? Juicy bright green leaves are basal, narrow, linear, in the form of a gutter, up to 20 cm long and up to 1.5 cm wide. On one plant, there are 4-8 pieces. They are evenly distributed around the circumference of the bottom of the bulb. The flowering stalk is a continuation of the bottom, this is the lower shortened part of the stem. After flowering, the entire aerial part dries up, a bud forms inside the bulb, which grows, turning into a young bulb, and will bloom next year. In the corners of the leaves, baby bulbs form, they can be separated, but they will bloom only after a few years. Flowers are placed on the top of the stem, forming a brush. The brightly colored perianth is a bell-shaped funnel with bent petals.
The fruit formed after flowering has the form of a leathery box with three sections, each with 2 seeds.
Wild hyacinth in nature
In nature, wild hyacinths are found in Western Europe, the Mediterranean countries. Some species grow in the steppe regions of Iran and Turkmenistan, others inhabit the mountainous regions of these countries, distinguish between field and forest species.
A modest Muscari flower is also attributed to them, it is also called mouse hyacinth. The plant can be found in the Caucasus, in the Crimea, in Asia Minor and in Southern Europe.
Types and varieties of hyacinths
Hyacinth plant of the Asparagus family. It used to be that there were 30 species and more than 500 varieties. Now, according to the new classification, only 3 species are distinguished:
- Oriental, the most common, on the basis of which cultivars are created. Habitat - the territory of Greece and the Balkan Islands.
- Litvinova - is distinguished by its beauty, grows in the steppes of Iran and Turkmenistan.
- Trans-Caspian - has a high height and 2 peduncles, the palette is limited to bluish and gray shades. The birthplace of the plant is the Kopetdag mountain system, part of the Turkmen-Khorasan mountains.
These three species are fundamental to the creation of numerous varieties and varieties.
Basically, cultivars are grown as annuals.
Oriental
This species belongs to perennials, grows up to 30 cm high. The surface of bright green belt-shaped leaves is slightly bent by grooves. The flower stalk is erect, cylindrical, the number of flowers reaches 35. Fragrant flowers appear in mid-April and bloom for a month. Terry and simple varieties exist, their shape is bell-shaped, funnel-shaped and bell-shaped. There are varieties of yellow, pink, blue, purple flowers. Flowering continues for 2 weeks, in the place of flowers, box fruits are formed.
The species enjoys the special love of flower growers because of its special property - forcing ability, when they achieve accelerated growth and abundant flowering of a plant at extracurricular times.
The oriental species served the emergence of more than a thousand varieties, and their number is increasing year by year, this is the only progenitor of the existing varieties.
Hyacinth Jan bos
A magnificent primrose with lush inflorescences of dark raspberry flowers, fragrant with a delicate aroma, the Jan bos hyacinth, blooms in March or May, depending on the climate of the region. Leaves are belt-shaped, glossy, bright green. The inflorescence is dense, consisting of 18-26 flowers. The flowering period is 2-3 weeks.
Prefers warm sunlight or a slightly shaded place without wind and drafts. Suitable for distillation, cutting and planting in open ground. Hyacinth Yan Bos requires annual digging of bulbs.
Hyacinth Woodstock
Bred in the Netherlands in 1992, Woodstock hyacinth (Woodstock hyacinth) belongs to the large-flowered garden class of hyacinths. It blooms in March and April. It differs from other varieties in its dense purplish-purple color with a ruby tint and a very persistent aroma. Flowers in the form of small bells densely cover the peduncle. The flowering is plentiful, lasts 1-3 weeks. Bulbs are large, easily take root and sprout together.
Hyacinth Gipsy Queen
The rare and very beautiful light apricot color of the hyacinth Gipsy queen (Gypsy Queen) will not leave anyone indifferent. Its hard wax flowers with a pleasant delicate aroma retain freshness longer. Flowering lasts up to 20 days. It is used for distillation in winter and spring time, planted in pots and flower beds. The plant is photophilous, grows better on fertile neutral soil.
Wild hyacinth, or forest
Wild hyacinth has a lot of names:
- Spanish spelling.
- Hyacinthoid.
- Scylla is Spanish.
- Hyacinthoides.
Little is known in Russia, in Europe it is quite a popular flower. It belongs to perennial bulbous plants. The leaves are glossy, smooth, elongated, collected in a basal rosette. Peduncle tall, grows later than the leaves. Root inflorescences consist of small bell-shaped flowers of 4-20 pieces. Their colors are quite diverse and include colors:
- White.
- Pink.
- Blue.
- Purple.
Its flowering time coincides with the flowering of the present, the duration is two to three weeks, but the inflorescence is not as dense as the present, and resembles lilies of the valley, which was the reason for the appearance of another name - colored lilies of the valley. The smell is usually absent, but some species exude a subtle delicate aroma. After flowering, a month later, the aboveground part turns yellow and dies, which occurs in all bulbs.
Hyacinth Blue jacket
One of the early flowering (March-April) new varieties - the hyacinth Blue jacket (Blue jacket), forms a lush large inflorescence of a cylindrical shape. Jackets flowers are lilac-blue, brighten along the edge of the tone, similar to stripes. There are up to 40 pieces in inflorescence. The aroma is pleasant, but strong enough. Flowering lasts up to 15 days. The plant is photophilous, its winter hardiness is low.
Strict sophistication of the early blooming Blue jacket
City of harlem hyacinth
The extremely bright and charming City of Haarlem hyacinth belongs to the large-flowered varieties. It occupies one of the first places among plants suitable for distillation and planting in flower beds in spring. It blooms in March-April for about 20 days, creating lush bright yellow inflorescences. Grown as an indoor flower and garden plant. Prefers sunny or slightly shaded places.
Hyacinth Yellowstone
Yellowstone is a late decorative variety, representative of a large-flowered group. The Yellowstone hyacinth inflorescence consists of 30-40 flowers of a star-shaped light yellow color with a strong odor. It blooms in May up to 20 days. The variety is resistant to adverse weather conditions, suitable for early distillation and the creation of flower arrangements.
Sunny Freshness Yellowstone
Hyacinth Carnegie
This is one of the rare varieties with wonderful delicate colors of white color, like paper. Carnegie hyacinth has a regular inflorescence up to 20 cm high with up to 30 flowers. Star-shaped flowers with wide perianth lobes. Carnegie is unpretentious, grows well in open ground in sunny and slightly shaded areas, and is grown as a houseplant. Used for distillation, planting in flower beds, good for cutting.
Snow-white purity of Carnegie inflorescences
Hyacinth Anna Lisa
The hyacinth Anna Lisa inflorescences are large, delicate, pearlescent, pink-lilac shades with a darker strip in the center of the petal. The variety is suitable for growing as a street, in the open ground, and as a potted houseplant. It is considered one of the best for distillation. In the open air it throws inflorescences in late April and blooms 18-20 days.
Hyacinth Pink Pearl
Long matte leaves are distinguished by bright greens. Amazing bright pink dense inflorescences with star-shaped flowers, whose petals are elegantly elongated and have a different color: in the center - bright, delicate along the edge. It begins to bloom in March-April, flowering lasts up to 3 weeks.
The variety is the most popular among the eastern species. It is grown in the garden, in a pot on the windowsill or in a hanging planter on the balcony.
Hyacinth Vuurbaak
The word "Vuurbaak" is translated as "lighthouse". The name of the variety justifies its bright color. Inflorescence in the form of a dense brush, spherical-cylindrical in shape. Peduncle with terry bell-shaped two-tone flowers of extremely rare color: red-pink in the center and coral or pale pink at the edge. This variety is distinguished not only by the beauty of the flower, but also by possessing the strongest and most persistent aroma.
Hyacinth Splendid cornelia
The variety is well known among flower growers and even received an award due to its wonderful coloring, shape and aroma. The dense inflorescence has a cylindrical shape, slightly tapering in the upper part. The flowers are pink-lilac in color with a darker center and a light border around the edge.
Delicate inflorescences Splendid cornelia
Hyacinth Hollyhock
Of all the varieties, Hollyhock blooms later than all. The leaves are dark green, the rosette is well developed. Dense inflorescences of oblong-oval shape reach 17 cm. A distinctive feature are large terry flowers of an amazing red-raspberry color.
Elegant riot of red and raspberry inflorescences of Hollyhock
Hyacinth care at home
The result of the selection of oriental hyacinth is the overwhelming majority of the most popular varieties, growing and caring for them are carried out according to uniform rules.
Home care hyacinth requires the same as when grown in the garden. He needs to create an environment close to his natural conditions of growth, and change them accordingly to the seasons.
In spring, when it blooms, hyacinth needs abundant watering and top dressing.
Hyacinth how to care for in the summer? The flower is resting, the dug bulb is stored in a cold place until autumn planting.
Additional Information. If you do not put the bulb in the cold, it will not give a magnificent inflorescence.
Watering and humidity
An important component of care is watering, plentiful, but rare.
Additional Information. A week before the beginning of flowering, watering is increased, 2 weeks after the end of flowering, they are reduced.
The flower loves a dry, well-ventilated area.
Important! The plant does not tolerate drafts.
Additional Information. The plant does not need to be sprayed, for flowering - it is even harmful.
Location and Lighting
In the fall, bulbs are planted in pots and put in a dark place. In winter, after the emergence of seedlings, lighting is gradually enhanced. When the shoots rise 2.5 cm, they are rearranged in partial shade.
Note! The plant is rearranged when buds appear.
The pot is installed on the south or southeast window sill closer to natural sunlight, avoiding direct sunlight, and away from heating appliances. If the windows face north, the pot can be placed in the center of the room.
Important! Only adult plants are exposed to the sun in the morning and evening.
Problems growing hyacinths
Sometimes changes in appearance are observed:
- Yellowing of the leaves, the cause is a draft or water entering the outlet when watering.
- Leaf wilting is caused by insufficient lighting.
- The buds fall when a sharp change in temperature and water gets on the bud.
- Flowering stops due to heat.
- Rotting bulbs occurs due to constant waterlogging of the soil.
Occasionally, a plant is affected by yellow bacterial rot; it will not be possible to save it.
Pests (spider mites and nematodes) are controlled using insecticides.
Note! During flowering, insecticides can not be used.
In ancient times, people believed in the magical properties of hyacinth. It was believed that the inhalation of its aroma cleanses a person’s thoughts, adds vitality, protects against enemies, inspires poets. If this is not entirely true, everyone makes up for the beauty of bright inflorescences and their delicate aroma.
