Hyacinth 'Miss Saigon' Hyacinthus orientalis 'Miss Saigon'
ABOUT
'Miss Saigon' is a compact hyacinth with deep wine-coloured flower spikes growing within the bright green leaves, to 20cm high. Stems are green, flushed dark purple. Long flowering, and may produce more than 1 stem per bulb
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Common Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth
Common names
Hyacinthus orientalis 'Miss Saigon'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Spread
4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: With its rich purple blooms, Hyacinthus orientalis 'Miss Saigon' adds vibrant color to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant is well-known for its strong and pleasant scent, which can enhance the sensory experience of any space.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of hyacinth is relatively easy to grow in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Spring Bloomer: As a spring-flowering bulb, it is one of the earliest plants to bloom, often signaling the end of winter.
- Compact Size: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for small gardens or containers.
- Breeding Potential: Gardeners and breeders value this particular cultivar for use in hybridization to create new varieties.
- Seasonal Themes: Ideal for creating seasonal themes in gardens, especially for spring displays alongside other early bloomers.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The hyacinth's flowers can be used to produce a natural dye, which can be utilized for coloring fabrics and yarns.
- In perfumery: The fragrant flowers of hyacinths can be processed to extract essential oils for perfumes and scented products.
- As an educational tool: Hyacinths can be used in school projects and botanical studies to teach children about plant growth and reproduction.
- Floral art: Hyacinth flowers can be incorporated into floral arrangements and art installations due to their vibrant colors and aesthetic form.
- Photography subject: Due to their beauty, hyacinths are often used as subjects in botanical and still life photography.
- Crafting potpourri: Dried hyacinth flowers can be added to potpourri mixes for a pleasant scent in the home.
- Theme gardens: Hyacinths can be planted to create color-themed gardens or to participate in garden competitions showcasing spring flowers.
- Wedding decor: The flowers of hyacinths are sometimes used in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations due to their attractive look and scent.
- Culinary presentations: While not edible, hyacinth blooms can be used as a non-toxic garnish for food presentation in high-end culinary events.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried hyacinth petals can be used as biodegradable confetti for celebrations and eco-friendly events.
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: Based on Greek myth, the hyacinth is associated with rebirth and the arrival of spring due to its early blooming.
- Constancy and Sincerity: In the Victorian language of flowers, the hyacinth represents consistency of feeling and sincerity in one's affection.
- Sport or Play: The name "Hyacinthus" was taken from a young Greek who was loved by the sun god Apollo, and their story involved a tragic incident during a discus game, hence it occasionally represents sports or play.
- Jealousy: Because Apollo's jealousy led to the accidental killing of the boy Hyacinth, the flower sometimes signifies jealousy.
- Deep Sadness or Sorrow: In reference again to the Greek myth, the hyacinth symbolizes a sorrow that is expressed by Apollo's lament over Hyacinth's death.
- Beauty: Prized for its beauty and sweet fragrance, the hyacinth also represents beauty and loveliness.
- Peace: In some contexts, due to its calming scent and appearance, the hyacinth can symbolize a desire for peace.
WaterHyacinth bulbs like 'Miss Saigon' should be watered generously during their active growth period, which typically starts when they begin to sprout and continues through the flowering period. Water the soil beneath the hyacinth once a week with about 1 inch of water, ensuring the water penetrates deeply to reach the roots without leaving the soil soggy. During the dormant phase, after the flowers have died back, reduce watering significantly to prevent bulb rot. If indoors, make sure the hyacinth's pot has proper drainage to avoid standing water.
Light'Miss Saigon' hyacinths thrive best in full sun to partial shade. The most suitable spot for these plants is in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, they prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid overly shaded areas, as this can result in weak growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureThe 'Miss Saigon' hyacinth prefers a cool to moderate temperature range. Optimal growth occurs when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive temperatures as low as 35°F, but they should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing. For optimal blooming, a period of cold temperature around 40°F to 45°F is required before they start to grow in the spring.
Pruning'Miss Saigon' hyacinths require minimal pruning. After the flowers have faded, the flower stalks should be cut back to avoid the plant wasting energy on seed production. Leave the foliage intact until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, as this is when the bulbs are gathering energy for the next season. The best time to prune is late spring or early summer, once the flowering has finished.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hyacinth 'Miss Saigon' is a well-draining, fertile loam with added organic matter. It should be neutral to slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingHyacinth 'Miss Saigon' is commonly grown from bulbs and does not require frequent repotting. Repotting is typically done every 2 to 3 years, or when the bulbs become too crowded.
Humidity & MistingHyacinth 'Miss Saigon' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite tolerant and does well in typical household humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in well-draining soil, bright light, cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleHyacinth 'Miss Saigon' begins its life cycle as a bulb, which rests dormant usually during the warm summer months. Upon the arrival of cooler temperatures in the fall, the bulb sends roots into the soil to draw nutrients. With the onset of spring, the plant begins to grow a stalk, which will bear dense clusters of fragrant purple flowers. After flowering, the plant’s leaves continue to photosynthesize, producing energy that is stored back in the bulb for the next growing season. Once the leaves yellow and the above-ground parts die back, the bulb enters a dormant period again. This cycle repeats annually, with bulbs multiplying over time, which can be separated and replanted to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method for propagating Hyacinth 'Miss Saigon', commonly known as hyacinth, is through division of the bulbs. Hyacinths are typically propagated in the fall before the ground freezes. When the foliage has died back after the flowering period and the plants have entered dormancy, the bulbs can be gently lifted from the soil. The offsets, or small bulbs which form around the base of the mother bulb, may be carefully detached. These offsets can be planted immediately in well-drained soil, at a depth approximately twice the height of the bulb, which is usually about 6 inches (or about 15 centimeters) deep. They should be spaced around 4 inches (about 10 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. By the following spring, these offsets will likely have developed into mature bulbs capable of producing their own blooms.
