Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis 'L'Innocence'
ABOUT
Hyacinthus orientalis 'L'Innocence', commonly known as the hyacinth, is a strikingly beautiful plant known for its delightful fragrance and showy flowers. 'L'Innocence' is particularly appreciated for its pure white blooms. The flowers of this hyacinth variety grow on dense, spike-shaped clusters called racemes, giving the impression of a lush floral column that stands upright amidst the plant's foliage. Each individual flower is bell-shaped, with recurved petals that impart an elegant look to the flower spike. The blooms are neatly packed along each stalk, creating a rich visual impact. Under the flower spikes, the foliage presents as glossy, fresh green leaves that are strap-like, providing a strong contrast to the pristine whiteness of the flowers. The striking white blooms of 'L'Innocence' hyacinth are not only a visual treat, but also exude a strong, sweet fragrance that can fill the surrounding space, making this plant a popular choice for gardens, borders, containers, and as a source for cut flowers, heralding the arrival of spring.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Common Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth
Common names
Hyacinthus orientalis 'L'Innocence'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hyacinth, including the Hyacinthus orientalis 'L'Innocence', is considered toxic to humans. All parts of the hyacinth contain oxalic acid and possibly other toxic compounds, which can potentially cause skin irritation upon contact. If ingested, the plant material can lead to symptoms such as intense stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingestion may result in a drop in blood pressure, tremors, or respiratory problems. It is advised that humans avoid ingesting any part of this plant and handle with care to prevent skin irritation.
To pets
Hyacinth is also toxic to pets. Similar to humans, all parts of the plant contain toxins, such as oxalic acid, which can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, hyacinth poisoning can lead to depression, tremors, respiratory distress, and could even be fatal if enough of the plant material is consumed. It is critical to prevent pets from having access to any part of the hyacinth plant to avoid toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
10 inches (25 cm)
Spread
8 inches (20 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Eastern Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Hyacinthus orientalis 'L'Innocence', commonly known as Hyacinth, produces attractive white flowers that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant is known for its strong and pleasant fragrance, which can enrich the sensory experience of a garden.
- Spring Blooming: Hyacinths are spring-blooming bulbs, adding early color to gardens after winter.
- Easy to Grow: Hyacinths, including 'L'Innocence', are relatively easy to grow and are suitable for beginners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for pots and container gardening, making them versatile for various garden setups and even for those without a garden.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are long-lasting when cut and are popular in floral arrangements.
- Forced Blooming: Hyacinths can be 'forced' to bloom indoors during winter for a touch of spring ahead of the season.
- Symbolism: Hyacinths are often associated with peace and forgiveness, making them meaningful for cultural and religious occasions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hyacinth Essential Oil: The flowers of the Hyacinth 'L'Innocence' can be used for extracting essential oil, which is occasionally used in perfumery for its intense and highly fragrant aroma.
- Artistic Inspiration: Due to its striking appearance, the Hyacinth 'L'Innocence' has been used as a subject in fine arts, including painting and photography, to capture its delicate beauty.
- Easter Decorations: The bulbs of Hyacinth 'L'Innocence' can be forced to bloom indoors during Easter, making them a popular choice for creating festive holiday arrangements.
- Aromatherapy: The soothing scent of the Hyacinth 'L'Innocence' is sometimes utilized in aromatherapy practices to create a calming environment and reduce stress.
- Wedding Bouquets: Hyacinth 'L'Innocence' is often incorporated into bridal bouquets or wedding decorations for its pure white flowers symbolizing innocence and the advent of spring.
- Educational Tool: In botany classes, the Hyacinth 'L'Innocence' may be used to demonstrate bulb growth and flowering plant life cycles to students.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly eaten, the flowers of Hyacinth 'L'Innocence' may occasionally be used as an edible garnish for their visual appeal on special dishes, while being mindful of their potential toxicity.
- Fabric Dye: Historically, hyacinths may have been used to derive natural dyes, although this application is not commonly practiced with modern varieties like 'L'Innocence'.
- Garden Design: Landscape designers use Hyacinth 'L'Innocence' as an early spring bloomer to create succession planting schemes in formal and casual gardens.
- Mood Enhancer: By placing cut Hyacinth 'L'Innocence' flowers around the home, they can naturally enhance the mood of residents through their beauty and fragrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe hyacinth is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe hyacinth is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Hyacinth, particularly the 'L'Innocence' variety, is often associated with beauty due to its lush, full blooms and appealing fragrance.
- Playfulness: With its playful and densely packed flowers, the hyacinth symbolizes sportiveness and a sense of youthful joy.
- Sorrow: The myth of Hyacinthus, a beautiful youth in Greek mythology accidentally killed by Apollo and from whose blood the flower sprang, has led to the hyacinth's association with sorrow and lament.
- Forgiveness: Some interpretations of the hyacinth, particularly in its white form, gear towards forgiveness and apology, signifying the intent to mend fences and make peace.
- Constancy: Hyacinth blossoms are also symbols of constancy and enduring devotion, reflecting the flower's perennial nature and the longevity of its blooms in the springtime.
- Peace: The white flowers of 'L'Innocence' exude a sense of tranquility and peace, often used in times of mourning or reflection to offer solace and comfort.
WaterThe common hyacinth, specifically 'L'Innocence', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once a week, but the frequency can vary based on environmental conditions. Slowly pour water directly onto the soil until it begins to run out of the drainage holes in the pot. This could mean using about 16-24 ounces for smaller pots or up to 1-2 gallons for larger containers, depending on the pot size. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging as hyacinths are sensitive to excessive moisture, which can lead to bulb rot.
LightHyacinth 'L'Innocence' thrives in bright, indirect light when grown indoors. The best spot would be a position near a window that gets plenty of light but is protected from the harsh midday sun, such as an east or west-facing window. If grown outside, partial sun with some afternoon shade is ideal to prevent the flowers from fading quickly.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature for the common hyacinth, including 'L'Innocence', ranges from 60° to 70°F during active growth. They can withstand a minimum temperature of around 50°F and a maximum of about 75°F. The plant prefers cooler conditions, especially at night, to prolong the bloom period.
PruningPruning common hyacinths, like 'L'Innocence', involves deadheading the spent flowers to prevent seed formation and cutting back the flower stalks once all the flowers have faded. This should be done annually, after the blooming period, typically in late spring or early summer. Leave the foliage in place until it has died back naturally to allow the bulb to store energy for the next season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHyacinth 'L'Innocence' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with high organic matter. For the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part well-rotted compost, and one part coarse sand or perlite to ensure good drainage. The ideal pH should range between 6.0 and 7.0. Regular fertilization during the growing season can also promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
RepottingHyacinths, including the 'L'Innocence' variety, are typically grown from bulbs and do not need frequent repotting. Repotting is only necessary when the bulbs become overcrowded, typically every 2-3 years. After flowering, once the foliage dies back, bulbs can be lifted, divided if necessary, and replanted to ensure continued health and flowering.
Humidity & MistingHyacinth 'L'Innocence' prefers moderate humidity levels, consistent with typical indoor environments. Although not overly sensitive to humidity, if the surrounding air is too dry, the tips of the leaves may become brown. Aiming for a humidity level around 40-60% is generally sufficient for this plant to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, keep soil moderately moist, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full to partial sun, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common hyacinth, specifically Hyacinthus orientalis 'L'Innocence', begins its growth cycle when its bulbs are planted in well-draining soil in the fall, before the onset of winter. In spring, the bulbs sprout and produce linear leaves and a stalk that bears a dense spike of fragrant white flowers. After flowering, which occurs from early to mid-spring, the blooms fade and the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage in the bulb for the next season. During summer, the foliage will die back as the plant goes dormant, conserving energy within the bulb. The bulbs may be left in the ground or dug up and stored in a cool, dry place until autumn, when they can be replanted. Year after year, these bulbs can produce new growth, completing their life cycle and potentially multiplying through offsets produced by the parent bulb.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: Hyacinth, specifically the Hyacinthus orientalis 'L'Innocence', is most commonly propagated through bulb division. This method is best undertaken in the late summer or early fall when the plants have finished flowering and the foliage has died back. The bulbs can be gently dug up from the soil and any offsets, which are small bulbs attached to the base of the main bulb, can be separated. These offsets should generally be about the size of a coin, preferably around half an inch to one inch (1.27 to 2.54 centimeters) in diameter before they are separated to ensure that they are mature enough to survive on their own. After separation, the offsets should be replanted immediately at a depth approximately twice the height of the bulb, with pointed ends up, and spaced around 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) apart to give them enough space to grow. It typically takes a few years for these offsets to mature and produce flowers.
