Some houseplants are just bursting with amazing qualities and we can say the same for the Hyacinth. Let’s count them: the plant has a bulb, loads of flowers, a gorgeous smell and a dramatic story.
The Hyacinth is a feast for your nose and your eyes, with curly flowers and a powerful scent. Hyacinths come in white, blue, yellow, pink, orange, red and purple, and obviously have green leaves and a sturdy bulb. Hyacinths also look great in your garden or on your balcony. From January onwards, you can place the potted bulbs on your balcony or patio.
The myth of Apollo and Hyakinthos
You used to only be able to find the Hyacinth in the wild from the centre of Turkey down to Lebanon. Did you know that the Latin word ‘Hyacinthus’ derives from the Greek name, Hyakinthos? According to the Greek myth, the sun god, Apollo fell in love with prince Hyakinthos. During a discus-throwing contest, Hyakinthos was accidentally killed by Apollo, and then a Hyacinth grew out of Hyakinthos’ blood. You don’t just get a houseplant with the Hyacinth but a fascinating story as well.
Caring for the Hyacinth
- Keep the bulb attached to the Hyacinth.
- Give the plant a lovely, light position.
- Make the Hyacinth happy by watering it once a week.
- You don’t need to give it plant food, the Hyacinth will be happy without it.
- The houseplant doesn’t like being too close to a draught or a heater.
After flowering in late winter, the stems of the lovely onion flower can be cut off and the watering gradually reduced until all the leaves have turned yellow. When all the leaves have dried up, the rest-period begins and the onion can be stored in a dark and cool place in the apartment until next autumn.
Creative tips
Due to its fragrance and the slowly developing flowering of the onion, the hyacinth fits perfectly with the Christmas spirit of the awakening life. The processing of the onions with their towering flowers in wreaths, table decorations and Christmas arrangements picks up the mood of this period of the year very well.
Source: BBH
