(Not an Heirloom)
This hybridized Hyacinth is available just about everywhere.
Are you a Hyacinth Lover? I have to say I think these are just the prettiest flowering bulbs on the planet. But, here's a sad, sad fact...
Brightly blooming and oh, so fragrant Hyacinths are being hybridized to extinction.
At one time, Hyacinths were more popular than Tulips. And, for good reason. They bloom longer, they're much hardier, and they fill your spring garden with an intoxicating, sweet perfume.
Rare Hyacinth Bulbs:
Old House Gardens is the coolest shop. They specialize in heirloom bulbs, even telling a little bit of history about the where's, when's and why's of how these lovely flowers got their start.
General Kohler: Born 1878
The oldest, surviving double Hyacinth.
Marie: Born 1860.
One of the rarest. Now considered 'commercially extinct.'
Gypsy Queen: Born 1927.
Naturalizes 'effortlessly' in dry, southwest gardens.
Hollyhock Hyacinth: Born 1936
Blooms later in spring than most commercial Hyacinths.
At about $1.00 a bulb (for commercially available Hyacinths) there's no reason to short change yourself. I usually purchase a couple dozen of these and store them in the 'frig. Hyacinth bulbs are easily 'forced.' Meaning we trick them into thinking it's spring by keeping them in a cool dark place. In winter, after 12 weeks of cold storage, forced Hyacinth bulbs will happily bloom in a sunny window.