Hyacinths Flowers

Hyacinths Flowers For Wedding. Meaning And Photos

Name : Hyacinths Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Hyacinth, (H. Orientalis)
Hyacinths Description

Hyacinths are perennial flowering plants from the genus Hyacinthus which was formerly placed in the Lily Family, Liliaceae but is now regarded as a separate genus in the family Hyacinthaceae. Hyacinths come from the eastern Mediterranean region east to Iran and Turkmenistan. Hyacinthus is a small genus of only three species: Hyacinthus litwinowii, Hyacinthus orientalis also known as Common Dutch or Garden Hyacinth, and Hyacinthus transcaspicus. H. litwonowii and H. transcaspicus are sometimes placed in the related genus Hyacinthella, which would make Hyacinthus a monotypic genus. Hyacinth orientalis, or the Garden Hyacinth, originated in Anatolia and was first introduced in Europe in the 16th century when a German doctor named Leonhardt Rauwolf collected some specimens when he visited Turkey in 1573.

Hyacinths are bulbous plants with long, narrow leaves that are folded lengthwise. Hyacinth blossoms are highly fragrant and bloom in the spring in dense clusters about 6-12 inches tall. Hyacinth flowers are waxy, bell-shaped with reflexed petals. Hyacinth leaves are strap shaped, and a fleshy, glossy green in colour.

The beautiful Hyacinth flower comes in eye-catching shades of white, orange, peach, salmon, pink, red, yellow, purple, lavender and blue.

Hyacinths thrive in full sun, a rich, well-drained soil and moderate watering. Hyacinths propagate by bulbs planted in fall. You can also use the new bulblets that have developed around an existing plant by the end of the growing season and plant them in a new location.

Hyacinth is a popular cut flower and has been cultivated commercially since the second half of the 16th century. This enchanting flower became very popular in 18th and early 19th century Europe and H. orientalis or the Common Hyacinth was so popular that over 2,000 cultivars were cultivated in the Netherlands, its chief commercial producer. That is why this variety is also called the Common Dutch Hyacinth.

Potted Hyacinths make beautiful additions to the patio or steps, and do equally well in the garden, filling it with bright and radiant colours as well as delicate, soul soothing fragrance. Potted Hyacinths can light up your living room as well since they can be forced to bloom indoors as well.

The charming Hyacinth is an ideal choice to add height, colour and sweet fragrance to any bouquet or table centre piece. Another reason to consider this beauty in your arrangement is its unbeatable vase life as Hyacinths remain in top condition for two to three weeks if properly cared for.

There are three varieties of Hyacinths:

Single Hyacinths look good in the garden or forced in pots. Blue Giant is one of the largest single hyacinth varieties with sky blue flowers and dark blue veins.
Double Hyacinths have fluffy whorls of colourful blossoms arranged on stems that are 10-12 inches tall. Hollyhock is a dazzling double variety with dark pink blossoms.
Multiflora Hyacinths are less formal varieties in which each bulb produces a number of flower stalks with loose clusters of flowers.

Hyacinths Meaning

In the Victorian language of flowers the handsome Hyacinth signifies the meanings Sport or Play, while the blue Hyacinth means Sincerity.

The world celebrates this splendid flower on March 7th, which is the World Hyacinth Day.

Hyacinths Mythology

Hyacinths are found in a legend from Greek mythology. According to this legend, Hyakinthos was a beautiful youth loved by both the god Apollo and the god of the West Wind, Zephyr. Hyakinthos’s beauty made Zephyr jealous. One day when Apollo was teaching Hyakinthos how to throw the discuss Zephyrus blew Apollo's discus off course, and killed the youth. Apollo did not allow Hades to claim Hyakinthos, instead he made the hyacinth flower spring from Hyakinthos ' spilled blood.

The word 'Hyacinth' can be found in an ancient language called 'Thracopelasgian', which was spoken 4,000 years ago. Hyacinth has been known throughout history due to its delicate scent as well and both Homer and Virgil have mentioned the flower’s sweet fragrance in their works.

The Hyacinth flower is sometimes associated with Rebirth. Hyacinths are found in the Haftseen table setting for the Persian New Year celebration Norouz which is held during the Spring Equinox.