Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' Hyacinthus orientalis 'Pink Pearl'
ABOUT
'Pink Pearl' is a bulb 20-30cm in height, with rich green leaves and broad, erect spikes of fragrant, deep pink flowers edged pale pink
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Common Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth
Common names
Hyacinthus orientalis 'Pink Pearl'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10 inches (25 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: The Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' features vibrant pink blooms that add a splash of color to gardens and homes in the spring.
- Fragrance: This plant is well-known for its strong and sweet scent, which can perfume the surrounding area.
- Early Spring Blooming: One of the first plants to bloom in spring, it provides color when most other plants are still dormant.
- Easy to Grow: Hyacinths, including 'Pink Pearl', are regarded as low-maintenance and easy to cultivate in various soil types.
- Versatility: This plant is suitable for beds, borders, containers, and can be forced indoors for early bloom.
- Attracts Pollinators: Hyacinths can attract bees, which are important for pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Symbolism: Often associated with rebirth and the arrival of spring, it is popular for Easter and other spring celebrations.
- Longevity: They have a long vase life as cut flowers, making them excellent for floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' bulbs can be used in a technique known as "forcing" to bloom indoors during the winter months for a touch of spring during the colder season.
- The strong scent of the Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' makes it suitable for use in perfumery, particularly for crafting floral fragrances.
- The dried flowers of Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' can be incorporated into potpourri mixes to maintain a pleasant aroma in the home.
- Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' can be used as a natural dye, where the flowers provide a light pink hue to fabrics or craft materials.
- As part of a wedding bouquet or table centerpiece, Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' adds a romantic and soft color, along with a delightful fragrance.
- In craft projects, such as flower pressing, Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' can be used to create decorative items like bookmarks or framed flower art.
- In horticultural therapy, the planting and care of Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' can be utilized as a therapeutic activity to improve mental health and wellbeing.
- When the flowers of Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' are spent, they can be composted to create a nutrient-rich compost for the garden.
- Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology, growth cycles, and the importance of bulbs in gardening.
- During special events such as Easter, Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' can be featured as part of the decorations, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
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 blooms in the spring, which represents the idea of rebirth or renewal, aligning with the season's essence of new beginnings.
- Playfulness: With its lush, full blossoms and variety of colors, hyacinths bring a sense of fun and playfulness to gardens and floral arrangements.
- Beauty: The hyacinth, particularly the 'Pink Pearl' with its captivating pink blooms, symbolizes the idea of physical beauty and loveliness.
- Constancy: Given its perennial nature, the hyacinth epitomizes consistency and enduring affection, making it a gift often associated with steadfastness.
- Games and sports: In the context of the Greek myth of Hyacinthus, this flower is also associated with activities of play, including games and sports.
- Rashness: The flower serves as a reminder of the consequences of impulsive actions, as the tragic myth of Hyacinthus involves a sudden, rash incident leading to his demise.
- Sorrow: The hyacinth is often also connected to sorrow, as the myth includes themes of mourning and grief following the loss of young Hyacinthus.
- Jealousy: In some contexts, the hyacinth can signify jealousy, likely due to the mythological jealousy of Zephyr, the god who caused the death of Hyacinthus.
WaterFor Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl', watering should be done thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. During active growth, especially in spring, this typically means watering approximately once a week. The amount may vary, but generally, a half gallon per plant every week is sufficient. It's crucial not to overwater, as this can lead to bulb rot. During the dormant period, after the leaves have yellowed and died back, watering should be reduced significantly.
LightHyacinth 'Pink Pearl' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would receive morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Ensure that the plant gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to promote strong growth and optimal blooming.
TemperatureHyacinth 'Pink Pearl' prefers cool to moderate temperatures, thriving in a range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These bulbs can survive winter cold down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to prolonged periods of freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature range encourages robust growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Hyacinth 'Pink Pearl' is primarily focused on removing spent flower stalks after blooming to prevent seed formation. Cut back the flower stalks at their base once the flowers have faded but leave the foliage in place until it turns yellow and dies back naturally. This helps the plant to photosynthesize and store energy for the next blooming season. Pruning is typically done annually post-flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPink Pearl Hyacinth thrives best in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and organic compost. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 6.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingPink Pearl Hyacinth bulbs should be repotted every 2 to 3 years after their flowering period in the spring to keep them healthy and blooming.
Humidity & MistingPink Pearl Hyacinth prefers average room humidity levels. It does not require any special humidity conditions and can thrive in normal household humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Pink Pearl Hyacinth in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Pink Pearl Hyacinth in partial shade outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the 'Pink Pearl' hyacinth begins with a dormant phase, during which the bulb rests through summer, typically in a dry condition. In autumn, the bulb is planted and roots begin to develop, drawing nutrients from the soil. During late winter to early spring, leaves and a flower stalk emerge above ground, leading to the flowering phase where pink blossoms open in a dense spike. After blooming, the plant enters a foliage phase, where it continues to photosynthesize to replenish the bulb’s energy reserves. Following the dying back of the foliage in late spring or early summer, the plant returns to dormancy, concluding the annual cycle and preparing for the next growing season. New bulbs may be produced as offsets from the parent bulb during the growing season, allowing for propagation and continuation of the life cycle in subsequent years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The common hyacinth, particularly the 'Pink Pearl' variety, is typically propagated through division of its bulbs, which is best done in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back. The most popular method involves carefully digging up the bulbs and gently separating the smaller offset bulbs, often referred to as "bulblets," that have formed around the base of the parent bulb. These bulblets can then be planted immediately; they should be placed about 4 inches (10 cm) deep and spaced approximately 3 inches (roughly 7.5 cm) apart, in well-drained soil with good sunlight. It's important to handle the bulbs carefully to prevent damage and to plant the bulbs with the pointed end up. After planting, it's recommended to water the newly planted bulblets thoroughly to help establish them. This method of propagation is simple and effective, allowing gardeners to increase their stock of hyacinths or renew older, less vigorous clusters.
