Hyacinths – colourful and fragrant with a strong, heady scent of spring. Their compact spikes of pretty, bell-shaped flowers packed densely onto short stems gives them real cottage garden appeal although they are in fact native to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Hyacinths are now firmly established in gardens across the world and were much loved by the Victorians who had a meaning for every colour; white was unobtrusive loveliness, pink stood for playful joy and purple – devoted love. Bees love them too, especially the darker colours and more strongly scented varieties.
How to keep Hyacinths Happy.
Temperature: Cool. 2-5°C.
Cut hyacinths arrive with part of their bulb still attached to the stem; this enables the flower to take up water more easily. Take a slice off the base of the bulb but try not to remove it completely.
Swill the base of the bulb and stand in fresh, clean water.
Change water daily and don’t overcrowd vases, as this can crush the stems.
Add flower food for bulbous flowers and mist occasionally.
