In legend and romance, the white hyacinth has long been a dominant symbol of inspiration and beauty, not only for the purity of its blossoms and their exquisite form but also for its sublime fragrance — overwhelming to some but exotic and particularly delightful out of-doors.
Good Advantage of Habit of Growth
For decades, hyacinths were usually seen in prim formal beds where their symmetrical habit of growth showed a good advantage.
However, this treatment is hardly suited to the informal home garden. When arranged informally in groups, together with daffodils, they are particularly effective in early spring borders.
The color range is extremely wide, varying from pure white through cream yellow, several shades of pink, and numerous blues to deep, almost black purple.
After a year or two, the flower spikes deteriorate in size, and sometimes, several appear from one bulb. Then, they are more suitable for flower arranging.
Culture of Hyacinths
Hyacinths need well-drained soil. However, they are somewhat more expensive than other spring-flowering bulbs.
It requires several years to develop the bulbs to blooming size; they are a good garden investment, and none of the spring-flowering bulbs can compare with them in fragrance.
Hyacinthus Azureus
The azure hyacinth, Hyacinthus Azureus, ranks among the choicest of early spring-flowering bulbs, yet it is comparatively little known in American gardens.
Muscari Botryoides
Sometimes described as a sky-blue edition of the grape hyacinth, Muscari Botryoides, this little gem introduced from Asia Minor’s mountains less than 100 years ago, has become a prime favorite with English gardeners.
Its early appearance, often with the snowdrops and the taller snowflakes, makes it a valuable bulb at a time of year when flowers are scarce.
Where to Plant
To enjoy it to the least advantage, plant the azure hyacinth in clusters in the rock garden or in flowers on the shrub border.
A light, well-drained loam suits it best, and the bulbs should be set four inches deep. The flowers usually last for several weeks. Find a sunny spot for it, and you will be rewarded with its sprightly blue flowers.
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