Hyacinthus orientalis
Hyacinthus orientalis is a widely grown plant, which is commonly known as a Hyacinth.
Hyacinths are perennial bulbs and are planted in the autumn, like any other spring flowering bulbs. Their bulbs are easy to find in any garden centre or a flower shop.
Hyacinthus flowers between March and April. It’s colour ranges from hues of violet, pink, lilac, cobalt blue and white.
It is a wonderful choice for bringing a vibrant colour into any garden. Moreover, the intoxicating fragrance of this little plant, will add another sensual experience to any garden. No surprise it was named nature’s perfume.
Because of their beautiful fragrance, Hyacinths can be planted close to a front door, where their scent, as well as beautiful pastel colours, can be noticed and admired. They also look great in front borders, along a path or in a mixed border. It is an excellent choice for a container and can be grown indoors. Hyacinths also make great cut flowers and look beautiful in many flower arrangements.
Mythology
In Greek mythology Hyacinth is a symbol of rebirth and the renewed plant growth in spring. It is also a symbol of youthful male beauty.
In Roman mythology, Hyacinthus was a son of the Spartan King, Amyclas. A beautiful, young prince who was beloved by the two gods Apollo and Zephyr.
Unfortunately, Zephyr was very jealous of Apollo’s feelings for Hyacinthus. One day when the two lovers were playing by throwing discus, Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, blew the stone plate of course and sent it in the direction of prince Hyacinthus. The stone hit the young prince on the head killing him immediately.
The myth says that from his blood grew a flower, which honours the memory of the Spartan prince. This flower was named Hyacinthus.