Hyacinthus x orientalis Carnegie

The Hyacinthus orientalis or 'Carnegie' Hyacinth is not only one of the whitest varieties, but also one of the most deliciously fragrant. Each bulb produces a dense spike of single star-shaped flowers in the middle of spring, with a sweet fragrance that becomes more noticeable when the flower is warmed by the rays of the sun. Plant it near your house or in flower pots to enjoy its flowering in the heart of spring. Whether in the garden or at home, this bulbous plant is cultivated in fertile and moist, but well-drained soil. Its flowers last for 3 weeks in the ground, and up to 2 weeks in a vase!

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

The 'Carnegie' hyacinth, like the species, belongs to the hyacinth family, or asparagus family. It has a large oval bulb and forms a clump of bright green ribbon-like leaves, 20 cm (8in) long, from spring onwards. In April-May, a robust floral stem, 30 cm (12in) long, emerges, carrying numerous star-shaped flowers with a thick texture in a snowy white, tightly packed together, and with a beautiful fragrance. The foliage is deciduous in summer; it reappears in late winter.

Among early flowering plants, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. Reserve a prime spot in your garden, not far from the entrance of your house, to enjoy its fragrance every time you pass by. It will bring spectacular splashes of colour to your flower beds. You can easily combine hyacinths with other early bulbs such as Chionodoxas or early Tulips. Forcing them at home is a piece of cake: get a narrow-necked vase, specially designed for hyacinth bulbs. Fill it with water and place the bulb so that its base is just above the water. Make sure the water level always reaches the base of the bulb, but never higher. Their flowers are edible, raw or cooked, and have a slightly mucilaginous texture. Depending on your preferences, you can crystallize them with sugar or incorporate them into fruit salads. In the past, they were considered a delicacy under the name of "candied Constantinople hyacinths".