Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gipsy Queen'
ABOUT
The 'Gipsy Queen' hyacinth is a striking flowering plant known for its vibrant and unique coloration. It sports densely packed spikes of flowers, which are known collectively as racemes, that showcase a rich salmon, peach or apricot hue, depending on the lighting and environmental conditions. The florets are bell-shaped and closely arranged along the vertical flower spike, creating a lush, full appearance. The bloom itself exudes a strong, sweet fragrance that can fill the surrounding space, adding to the plant's charm. The foliage of the 'Gipsy Queen' consists of glossy, strap-like leaves that are deep green in color, providing a stark contrast to the warm tones of the flowers. These leaves grow directly from the base of the plant, forming an attractive and tidy clump that complements the striking blossoms above. The combination of intoxicating scent, eye-catching floral color, and lush foliage makes the 'Gipsy Queen' hyacinth a popular choice for gardeners and floral enthusiasts seeking to add a splash of color and fragrance to their planting spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Gipsy Queen Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth, Common Hyacinth.
Common names
Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gipsy Queen'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gipsy Queen' is hyacinth. Hyacinths are considered to be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains alkaloids and glycosides which can cause poisoning. Symptoms of hyacinth poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to depression of the central nervous system, tremors, and cardiac symptoms. Handling hyacinth bulbs may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid ingesting any part of the plant and wear gloves when handling the bulbs to prevent skin irritation.
To pets
The common name for Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gipsy Queen' is hyacinth. Hyacinths are toxic to pets when ingested. This plant contains compounds such as alkaloids that can cause poisoning in animals. Symptoms of hyacinth poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingesting hyacinths can lead to an increase in heart rate, changes in respiratory rate, and can potentially cause depression of the central nervous system. Ingesting any part of the plant, especially the bulbs, which are the most toxic part, can result in serious health implications for pets. Therefore, it's crucial to prevent pets from accessing and ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Salmon
Height
10 inches (25 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Middle East
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Hyacinth 'Gipsy Queen' has striking salmon-pink flowers, adding vibrant color to spring gardens.
- Fragrance: This plant is known for its strong, sweet fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Hyacinths, including 'Gipsy Queen', are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Hyacinths are relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground.
- Forcing Ability: Hyacinths can be "forced" to bloom indoors during winter, providing off-season enjoyment and indoor decoration.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, hyacinths require minimal care aside from regular watering and occasional fertilization.
- Spring Bloomers: Hyacinths are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, signaling the end of winter and bringing early color to gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hyacinth 'Gipsy Queen' petals can be crystallized and used as edible decorations on cakes and desserts, adding a colorful, floral touch.
- The strong fragrance of hyacinths can be captured in potpourri blends to naturally scent rooms and closets.
- Dried hyacinth flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, providing a range of beautiful colors.
- The bulbs of hyacinths can be forced in glass vases with water for decorative indoor winter gardening, showcasing their roots and growth process.
- Hyacinth flowers can be included in perfumes because of their intense, sweet fragrance, contributing to floral scent profiles.
- Crafted into wreaths or floral jewelry, such as bracelets or headbands, hyacinth flowers add a lively and fresh element to special events.
- When used in photography, hyacinth blooms can serve as an attractive backdrop or focal point due to their vibrant colors and shapes.
- As a natural confetti alternative, hyacinth petals can be tossed at weddings or celebrations, providing a biodegradable option.
- In textile arts, hyacinth petals can be incorporated into papermaking to embed floral accents into handmade papers.
- Kids can use hyacinth petals or stems in art projects, such as pressing them into clay or embedding them in homemade candles.
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: Commonly blooming in spring, the hyacinth symbolizes rebirth or renewal, which is often associated with this season.
- Constancy and Sincerity: Hyacinths represent a steadfastness in affection, giving them as gifts communicates a sense of true sincerity and constancy in one's feelings.
- Sport or Play: The name "hyacinth" has its roots in Greek mythology, where a young man named Hyakinthos was admired by the sun god Apollo. The connection to sport comes from the myth in which they played discus together.
- Jealousy: Alongside the story of Hyakinthos is the tale of Zephyr, the god of the west wind, who was also in love with the boy and became jealous of Apollo, leading to tragedy.
- Sadness or Sorrow: The tragic end of Hyakinthos, who was struck by a discus and died, gives the hyacinth an association with sorrow, as Apollo mourned his companion.
- Peace: The beautiful and comforting fragrance of hyacinths is often linked to peace, offering a symbolic sense of tranquility and calmness.
WaterThe common hyacinth, including the 'Gipsy Queen' variety, needs to be watered generously during its growing season, which is spring. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week, depending on the humidity and temperature. Avoid watering too frequently to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to bulb rot. Provide the plant with about 1 gallon of water per week, ensuring even distribution around the plant. During the dormant period, after the flowers have died back, reduce watering significantly.
LightHyacinths, including 'Gipsy Queen', thrive in bright, indirect light. They perform best when placed in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, as this closely mimics their natural growing conditions. Avoid direct midday sun, especially in hotter climates, to prevent the flowers from fading quickly.
Temperature'Gipsy Queen' hyacinths prefer moderate temperatures and should be kept in an environment where temperatures range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 35 degrees during their dormancy in winter but should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing. The ideal growing temperature for 'Gipsy Queen' hyacinths is around 60 to 65 degrees for optimal growth and flowering.
PruningHyacinths like 'Gipsy Queen' should be deadheaded after the flowers fade to prevent seed formation, which can reduce the vigor of the bulb. Prune off the spent flower stalks with a clean cut, but leave the foliage in place until it naturally withers and turns yellow, which allows the plant to gather energy for the next season. Pruning is usually only necessary annually, right after the flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Common Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gipsy Queen') should be well-draining, fertile, and loamy with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part well-rotted compost or manure, and one part coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingCommon Hyacinths, like the 'Gipsy Queen', typically do not need frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years. However, it is important to replace the top layer of soil each year to provide fresh nutrients.
Humidity & MistingCommon Hyacinths, including the 'Gipsy Queen' variety, prefer average home humidity levels. They do not require special humidity conditions and can thrive in the typical range between 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, with cool temperatures and moderate water.
Outdoor
Plant in autumn, in well-drained soil, partial to full sun.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleHyacinth 'Gipsy Queen' begins its life as a bulb, planted in the ground during the fall before the frost sets in. The bulb undergoes a period of dormancy in winter, which is a crucial cold phase needed to trigger later growth. In early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, leading to the emergence of strap-like leaves and a flower stalk that culminates in a dense spike of fragrant, coral or salmon-pink flowers. After flowering, which typically occurs in mid-spring, the plant enters a foliage period where it photosynthesizes to store energy in the bulb for the next season. Once the foliage yellows and dies back by late spring or early summer, the bulb enters a period of dormancy where it remains underground. In preparation for the next growing season, the bulb might produce offsets, or bulblets, which can be separated from the parent bulb to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating the common hyacinth, including the 'Gipsy Queen' variety, is by division of its bulbs. This is typically done in late summer or early fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have completed their growing cycle. To propagate, carefully dig up the hyacinth bulbs and gently separate any offsets, also known as daughter bulbs, from the base of the mother bulb. These offsets should be large enough to have their own roots. Once separated, the bulbs can be replanted in well-draining soil at a depth of approximately 6 inches (around 15 cm) with the pointed end facing upwards. They should be spaced about 4 inches (approximately 10 cm) apart to ensure room for growth. Water the newly planted bulbs well and wait for them to emerge in the spring.
