Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis 'Blue Festival'
ABOUT
Hyacinthus orientalis 'Blue Festival', widely known as the common hyacinth, is a plant appreciated for its striking and fragrant flowers. This variety showcases rich blue blooms arranged in dense, star-shaped clusters, which is a defining attribute. The individual flowers are small with recurved edges, contributing to the overall plush look of the bloom spike. Each floret is tightly packed on a sturdy, fleshy stem that rises proudly above the plant's foliage. The foliage of 'Blue Festival' features glossy, lance-shaped leaves that are a deep green in color. These leaves grow at the base of the stem and they form a lush, strap-like clump that provides a verdant backdrop to the magnificent, upright flowers. While in bloom, the plant exudes a strong, sweet fragrance that is quintessential of hyacinths, making it a popular choice for gardens, floral arrangements, and perfumery. It's the combination of the vivid blue hue, pleasant scent, and dense floral spike that makes the 'Blue Festival' hyacinth a captivating spectacle in any spring garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Common Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth.
Common names
Hyacinthus orientalis 'Blue Festival'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Hyacinthus orientalis 'Blue Festival' is hyacinth. All parts of the hyacinth contain potentially toxic compounds, particularly concentrated in the bulbs. If ingested, hyacinth bulbs can cause severe stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the bulbs may lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Ingestion in significant quantities could lead to more serious symptoms such as intense gastroenteritis, palpitations, tremors, or even depression of the central nervous system.
To pets
The common name for Hyacinthus orientalis 'Blue Festival' is hyacinth. Hyacinths are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. All parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain compounds that can induce vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested. Depression of the central nervous system, increased heart rate, and changes in respiration may also occur in more severe cases. Skin irritation is possible if pets come into contact with the plant’s sap. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if a pet consumes any part of a hyacinth.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
10 inches (25 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Hyacinth 'Blue Festival' adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes with its striking blue blooms.
- Fragrance: This variety is known for its sweet and strong scent, which can enhance the sensory experience of any garden or indoor space.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in early spring, hyacinths like 'Blue Festival' can bring life to gardens after the winter months.
- Container Gardening: This plant is suitable for pots and containers, making it versatile for patios, balconies, or small gardens.
- Cut Flowers: The sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make hyacinths excellent choices for cut flower arrangements.
- Easy to Grow: Hyacinths are generally low maintenance, making them suitable for novice gardeners.
- Forced Blooms: 'Blue Festival' can be forced to bloom indoors during winter for an early splash of color and fragrance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The petals of Hyacinth can be used to create a natural blue or violet dye for fabrics or artisan crafts.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of Hyacinth flowers is sometimes used in aromatherapy for creating a soothing and relaxing environment.
- Garden pest repellent: Hyacinth plants can help deter certain garden pests with their strong fragrance.
- Companion planting: Hyacinth may be planted alongside other crops to enhance growth and improve pollination by attracting more pollinators.
- Botanical illustration and photography: Due to their attractive blooms, Hyacinths are often subjects in botanical art and photography, serving educational and decorative purposes.
- Educational tool: Hyacinth's growing requirements and traits can be used to teach students about plant biology and horticulture.
- Events and celebrations: Used as decor in events like weddings and Easter celebrations, Hyacinths add natural beauty and fragrance.
- Water purification: Experimentally, some aquatic plants, like Hyacinth, have been used in small-scale water purification due to their root systems, though more research may be needed in this area.
- Floral perfumes: The essence of Hyacinth flowers is sometimes used to create floral-scented perfumes and other fragranced products.
- Symbolic gift: Hyacinths, with various color-dependent meanings, are often given as gifts to convey a specific emotion or sentiment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hyacinth is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hyacinth is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Rebirth: The hyacinth often symbolizes rebirth and is commonly associated with spring and new beginnings due to its early blooming cycle.
- Constancy: Known for its consistent blooming and returning each spring, the hyacinth can represent steadfastness and reliability.
- Sport or Play: In Greek mythology, the hyacinth sprouted from the blood of Hyacinthus, a beautiful youth whom Apollo loved. The hyacinth is sometimes associated with games and sports, reflecting the youthful Greek god's playful nature.
- Sorrow: Some tales of Hyacinthus involve themes of tragic love and sorrow, which can make the hyacinth a symbol of lamentation or deep sorrow.
- Jealousy: Also tied to the myth of Hyacinthus, the hyacinth can be representative of envy or jealousy because of the god Zephyr's jealousy that ultimately led to Hyacinthus's death.
- Peace: The soothing blue color of the 'Blue Festival' variety can be seen as a symbol of peace and tranquility.
WaterThe hyacinth, specifically 'Blue Festival', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This will typically mean watering every 7-10 days, depending on climate and indoor conditions. Use room temperature water, and apply it directly to the soil around the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves or flowers. Provide enough water until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, an indication that the soil is saturated. For a potted hyacinth, this might mean using between 16 to 32 ounces of water each time, adjusted based on the size of the pot and the plant's response.
LightHyacinth requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. The ideal spot for 'Blue Festival' hyacinth would be near a window that receives plenty of light but is shielded from the direct sun rays that could scorch the foliage and blooms. An east-facing window is often a good choice, as it provides morning sunlight and avoids the intense heat of the afternoon.
Temperature'Blue Festival' hyacinth fares best in cool to average home temperatures, ranging between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive short periods outside this range, with a minimum temperature of around 50°F and a maximum of 75°F. However, cooler temperatures will prolong the bloom period and mimic the plant's natural environment.
PruningPruning a hyacinth, including 'Blue Festival', involves removing spent flower stalks after blooming to prevent seed formation and to direct energy back into the bulb. Prune when the flowers have faded and turned brown, typically once a year following the bloom cycle. Dead or yellowing leaves should also be removed once they have naturally withered, to keep the plant looking tidy and to aid in disease prevention.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHyacinth 'Blue Festival' thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH ranging from 6 to 7. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingHyacinths, including 'Blue Festival', typically do not need repotting as they are usually grown as annuals. Bulbs should be planted fresh each fall.
Humidity & MistingHyacinth 'Blue Festival' prefers moderate humidity and does not require excessively humid conditions; average room humidity is generally sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall; full sun to part shade; well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Hyacinthus orientalis 'Blue Festival', commonly known as the Hyacinth, begins with bulb planting in autumn before the first frost, as the bulb requires a period of cold dormancy to initiate growth. In early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy and sprouts, with leaves and a flower stalk emerging from the soil. The plant blooms typically from March to April, producing a dense spike of fragrant blue flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence; leaves will yellow and die back as the plant redirects resources back into the bulb for the next season. The bulb enters summer dormancy, where it remains underground until the cycle restarts in the following autumn. Propagation to create new plants can occur through division of bulbs after the foliage has died back.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Autumn
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Hyacinth 'Blue Festival' involves dividing the plant's bulbs. This typically takes place in late summer or early fall, after the foliage has died back, as this is when the bulbs are dormant and ready to be handled. Carefully dig up the hyacinth bulbs, and you may notice small bulblets, or offsets, attached to the mother bulb. Gently detach these bulblets, ensuring each has a portion of the basal plate (the bottom part of the bulb from which roots grow). Once separated, allow the bulbs to dry for a day or two in a shaded, well-ventilated space to help prevent fungal diseases. The bulblets can then be planted in well-drained soil about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters) deep and 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) apart. With appropriate care, these will mature into flowering bulbs over a couple of seasons.
