Hyacinthus Woodstock - Garden Hyacinth

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Woodstock' is a garden Hyacinth, typically grown outdoors, and here specifically prepared to bloom early indoors. This allows its flowering to be shifted from March to January, in order to enjoy its beautiful flowers in the middle of winter! It then produces a large inflorescence of sumptuous purple, which also emits a very pleasant fragrance in the house. It will be perfectly at home in a bright and cool room, where it will enhance the space for a few weeks.

Although the Oriental Hyacinth is no longer widely cultivated, this species, native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, has given rise to countless cultivars, highly appreciated in gardens for their delightful spring flowering, or in floristry for their forcing ability. 

Formerly classified among the Liliaceae, the genus Hyacinthus is now classified in the Asparagaceae family, along with asparagus, as well as Agave or Yucca. This plant takes the form of a large oval bulb, from which a clump of ribbon-like leaves (narrow and elongated), of a shiny green colour, emerges. From January indoors, a robust floral stem, about twenty centimetres long, rises from the centre of the clump of leaves. It becomes covered with dozens of small star-shaped flowers, which cluster together to form a dense cluster, measuring 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in diameter. Each flower, borne on a short peduncle, consists of a tube at the base, which opens at the other end into a star-shaped corolla, made up of six elongated and pointed petals. The imposing inflorescence takes on a purple to burgundy colouration, adding a touch of distinction to the house during the dark days of winter. This bulbous plant not only captivates with its stylish aesthetics but also delights with its delightful floral fragrance. The foliage is deciduous after flowering, and it is at this time that the bulb, whose reserves are depleted, enters dormancy. The forcing technique involves exposing the bulbs to cold for several weeks, starting from the end of summer, in order to break their dormancy and induce the flowering process before the normal time.

The hyacinth is the easiest bulb to force, and horticulturists have been taking advantage of this for a long time. Thanks to the thermal treatment used, this 'Woodstock' hyacinth guarantees you winter flowering. It deserves a prominent place in a very bright room, away from any source of heat.
You can combine it with other bulbs to create a flowering winter scene. Crocuses are also very suitable for forcing, as are Narcissus, with their bright yellow, orange, or white flowers. Some woody shrubs are also valuable and will allow you to add volume to your flowering scene. Forsythia, which gets its nickname Paris Mimosa from its bright yellow flowering, or Prunus mume 'Beni Chidori' with its absolutely charming bright pink flowers, are good candidates for forcing. Also consider adding some branches with decorative bark, such as  Cornus 'Baton rouge', a Cornelian Cherry with red coral wood, to play on all fronts.

Hyacinth flowers are edible, raw or cooked, and have a slightly mucilaginous texture. They can be crystallized with sugar or added to fruit salads, according to personal preferences. In the past, they were considered a delicacy and could be found under the name "confit de jacinthes de Constantinople".