According to Greek mythology, the lovely hyancinths of Spring had a violent and bloody beginning.
The youth Hyancinthus, beloved of Apollo, was accidentally killed by the latter with an unlucky throw of the discus. In remorse, the story goes, Apollo caused a beautiful and fragrant flower to spring from the blood of Hyacinthus.
Another version tells us Hyacinthus was killed by Zephyrus, god of the West Wind, because of jealousy.
Whatever its origin, the hyacinth is much-loved by gardeners today for its sweet scent, charming colors and sturdy blooming qualities – both indoors and out.
Most modern hyancinth varieties have been obtained from one “species” or wild type: hyacinthus orientalis, the common or Dutch hyacinth. This name arises from the fact that most hyancinth bulbs are cultivated in Holland. Centuries of careful breeding and hybridizing there have resulted in such varying types as Exhibition, Bedding, Multiflowered, Miniature and Prepared hyacinths.
Whatever your preference, there is a hyacinth to suit your every need and purpose in the Spring garden you plant every Fall.
Because of their fragrance, most gardeners prefer to plant hyacinths near the house and thus benefit from the lovely scent. We like to think of them as a natural hepa filter filling the air with fragrance.
If this is what you- have in mind, plant your hyacinth bulbs now in groups of three to five bulbs close to the house, terrace or porch, so that their fragrance can be fully appreciated by all the family next Spring.
Customs in garden arrangements vary through the years. Once it was popular to plant hyacinths in formal beds, but the trend today is to place them informally along borders. Instead of having them appear like sentinels, place them in different-sized groups, seven to 12 bulbs in a group, and about seven inches apart in your border. Then stand back and visualize in mental technicolor how they will look next Spring.
For the most effective results plan your groupings so the green lawn or evergreens act as suitable background for these rainbow colors.
Any well-drained’ soil is suitable for hyanciths. They should be planted before frost hardens the ground. Plant the bulbs at least six inches deep and about the same space apart to allow for the spread of foliage. That’s all that is needed to insure a colorful, fragrant display next spring.