focal · moderate · mid
Hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis · aka Dutch hyacinth
The hyacinth is the fragrance flower of early spring — a densely packed spire of florets that perfumes a room within minutes. Grown almost exclusively in the Netherlands for the global cut trade. The stem-sap causes contact dermatitis in some people; wear gloves when conditioning.
At a glance
| Family | Asparagaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Eastern Mediterranean; commercially grown Netherlands |
| Peak season | January, February, March, April |
| Availability | December to April |
| Stem length | 25–40 cm |
| Vase life | 5–10 days |
| Colors | white, blush, pink, coral, red, purple, blue, yellow |
| Price tier | mid |
Conditioning
Cut on a diagonal, cool fresh water.
Care in the vase
- •Legendary fragrance — one of the most powerful spring scents
- •Densely packed florets on a short stalk
- •Skin irritation from sap in some people — wear gloves at conditioning
- •Bulb-in-vase variants extend the display
