Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis, Sp. Pl.: 317 (1753))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 317 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hyacinthus

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Türkiye to N. Israel

Description

The Hyacinth, known scientifically as Hyacinthus orientalis, is a highly cherished and visually striking flowering plant that belongs to the Asparagaceae family. Originating from the region stretching from Southern Turkey to Northern Israel, this perennial bulbous plant has been captivating gardeners and flower enthusiasts for centuries due to its vibrant colors and delightful fragrance.

Hyacinths are renowned for their dense spikes of fragrant florets, which come in a spectrum of colors including rich purples, stunning blues, delicate pinks, and pristine whites. These tightly packed, tubular flowers bloom in early to mid-spring, making them a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements during this season. The plant typically grows to a height of around 6-12 inches, with each bulb producing one to three spikes of flowers.

The species was first formally described in 1753, contributing significantly to horticultural literature. Its botanical authority is denoted by the author abbreviation “L.”, indicating that Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist who developed the binomial nomenclature system, played a crucial role in classifying this plant.

Hyacinths are appreciated not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their delightful fragrance, which is often described as sweet and intoxicating. This characteristic scent has made hyacinths a staple in the production of perfumes and scented oils throughout history.

Cultivation of Hyacinthus orientalis requires well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded location. Gardeners often plant hyacinth bulbs in the fall to enjoy their exuberant display in the spring. They can be grown in garden beds, borders, or containers, and they also make excellent indoor plants when forced to bloom out of season.

While hyacinths are relatively low-maintenance plants, they do require some care to thrive and endure. Ensuring that the bulbs are not waterlogged and protecting them from harsh weather conditions are vital steps in their maintenance. After the blooming phase, the foliage should be allowed to die back naturally, as this process helps replenish the bulb for the next growing season.

In addition to their ornamental use, hyacinths have been woven into the cultural fabric of various societies. They often symbolize constancy and sincerity and are associated with the arrival of spring and new beginnings in numerous traditions.

In summary, Hyacinthus orientalis, commonly known as the hyacinth, is a beloved and fragrant member of the Asparagaceae family. Its vivid blooms and captivating scent, along with its historical and horticultural significance, make it a cherished plant among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Deu: echte hyazinthe, garten-hyazinthe, hyazinthe
Eng: garden hyacinth, hyacinth
Dan: hyacint
Fra: jacinthe d’orient, jacinthe
Ita: giacinto
Swe: hyacint, trädgårdshyacint
Por: jacinto, jacinto-de-jardim
Spa: jacinto
Hun: kerti jácint
Ell: zoumpouli
Nld: hyacint
Nob: svibel
Nno: svibel
Cym: hiasinth, hiasinthau
En: Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth, Garden hyacinth, Common Hyacinth, Common Hyacint, Dutch Hyacint
Ar: خزامى مشرقية
Hy: Հակինթ արևելյան
Az: Şərq sünbülçiçəyi
Bg: Обикновен зюмбюл
Ca: Jacint
Zh: 风信子
Cs: Hyacint
Da: Almindelig Hyacint, Hyacint
Nl: Hyacint
Et: Idahüatsint
Fi: Hyasintti
Fr: Jacinthe, Jacinthe d’Orient, Muguet bleu
De: Hyazinthe, Gartenhyazinthe, Echte Hyazinthe, Garten-Hyazinthe, Gemeine Hyazinthe
El: Υάκινθος, Zoumpouli
He: יקינתון מזרחי, יקינטון מזרחי
Hu: Kerti jácint
It: Giacinto, Giacinto comune
Lt: Rytinis hiacintas
Lb: Hyazinthen
No: Hyasint
Nb: Svibel
Nn: Svibel
Fa: سنبل
Pl: Hiacynt
Pt: Jacinto, Jacinto-de-jardim
Ro: Zambilă
Ru: Гиацинт восточный
Sr: Зумбул
Sk: Hyacint východný
Es: Jacinto, Hijacinta
Sv: Hyacint, Trädgårdshyacint
Zh-tw: 風信子
Th: ไฮอะซินท์บ้าน
Zh-hant: 風信子
Tr: Sümbül
Cy: Hiasinth, Hiasinthau

Synonyms

• Scilla coronaria (Salisb.)

Distribution

• Iraq (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Cyprus (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Mar 8, 2019 by Nicolas Lieurey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2017 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 17, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 22, 2021 by Said Alitouche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2021 by Šaman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2019 by Melissa Lebeau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 15, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 2, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2022 by David Wedeux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 14, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by soffie (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2019 by ceccon rosana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2021 by Diaz Carmenchu (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2772666)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:536789-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hyacinthus orientalis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘feb’, ‘mar’]

Soil nutriments: 5