Hyacinthus x orientalis Hollyhock

The Hyacinthus orientalis Hollyhock is an ancient hybrid derived from the oriental hyacinth, obtained over 100 years ago, which has captivated many generations of gardeners due to the rarity of its colour, its fragrance, and its ability to faithfully reflower year after year. It produces a robust spike of fully double flowers, in a deep and brilliant magenta pink, delicately scented. Hyacinths are bulbous plants that can be grown in both the garden, in fertile and well-drained soil, and in pots for winter flowering indoors.

While 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 forcing ability. This botanical species has become naturalized in France in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Alpes-Maritimes, and Lot-et-Garonne regions.

The Hollyhock hyacinth, twice awarded by the RHS in England in 1993 and 2008, belongs to the same family as the hyacinths, the hyacinthaceae, or asparagaceae. It has a large oval bulb and forms a clump of bright green ribbon-like leaves from spring, from which a sturdy flowering stem emerges in April-May, measuring 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) in length, bearing numerous fully double flowers with multiple rows of petals in a vibrant pink that flirts with red, with a rich and heavy fragrance. The sturdy flower stalks do not bend in adverse weather conditions. Outdoors, this variety blooms in the middle of the hyacinth season, in March-April. The foliage is deciduous in summer; it reappears at the end of winter.

Among early bloomers, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. Reserve a prime spot for it in the garden, not far from the entrance of the house, to enjoy its fragrance with every passing. 'Hollyhocks' pairs well with the White Pearl hyacinth or the anemones 'The Bride' and 'Mount Everest', as well as white blanda anemones. It will bring spectacular splashes of colour to your flower beds. Hyacinths can easily be combined with other early bulbs such as Chionodoxas or early-flowering Tulips humilis. Their flowers are edible, raw or cooked, and have a slightly mucilaginous texture. They can be candied with sugar or added to fruit salads, according to taste. In the past, they were considered a delicacy and could be found under the name of "candied hyacinths of Constantinople."