You can smell plant of the week – hyacinthus before you see it. More commonly known as just hyacinth, the scent to me is magical. I’m here referring to the kind we find indoor around Christmas. Although they smell outdoors in spring too, I associate them with end of the year festivities. Even if you know they are there, as you step through the front door, the scent hits you and you are quickly reminded of what time of the year it is. Just in case you would have forgotten, we do live such busy lives, don’t we?
Plant of the week – Hyacinthus
What can I say about hyacinth that has not been said before? Absolutely nothing, I’m sure. It’s native to the eastern region of the Mediterranean but has been widely naturalized in many, many other places. For someone into the scent of this plant I just learnt the other day that the blue kind has the most fragrance, followed by white and pink. As told by a lady at the local garden centre.
Naturally, hyacinthus are bulbous, spring-blooming plants. Those blooming at Xmas are forced, but once their indoor blooming is over and done with they may transplanted to the garden (or any other area with soil) and will carry on business as usual next spring. I suggest planting them in groups, which provides more of an impact. Also close to a frequently used outdoor space / or windows where their delight can easily be spotted. When indoors, they like a light but a tad cool environment. The cooler the longer blooming will last. Water sparingly and not inside the actual bulb, just the soil.
