Hyacinth - Hyacinthus orientalis Hyacinth - Hyacinthus orientalis
Foto: botanika.wendys.cz

Herb: Hyacinth


Latin name: Hyacinthus orientalis


Family: Hyacinthaceae



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Bulb


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
April
to May


Scent:
Scented
Bulb

Habitat of Hyacinth:

Among rocks, up to 2000 metres in Turkey

Other uses of the herb:

An essential oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery. 1kg of the oil is obtained from 6,000kg of flowers. A blue dye is obtained from the flowers.

Propagation of Hyacinth:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in a light sandy soil. If sown thinly, the seedlings can be left in their pots for the first year, though give them regular liquid feeds to make sure that they get sufficient nutrient. Prick out the seedlings about 3 to a pot and grow on for 1 - 2 more years before planting out into their permanent positions when they are dormant. Division in the autumn. Plant the small offsets 5cm deep. Larger bulbs can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, but it is best to pot up smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year in a cold frame before planting them out when dormant in late summer. Scooping and scoring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Among rocks, up to 2000 metres in Turkey

Medicinal use of Hyacinth:

None known

Known hazards of Hyacinthus orientalis:

Poisonous, the sap can cause dermatitis. The toxins are concentrated in the bulb.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.