Beauty of Hyacinthus runs deep

Steve Kawaratani

“Today as in the time of Pliny and Columella, the hyacinth flourishes

... “

-- EDGAR QUINET

“Hyacinths hinder young persons from growing ripe too soon.”

-- JOHN PARKINSON

Catharine was away, immediately disinterested in the moment, I

tuned the television to “The Clash of the Titans,” a fantasy

involving mythology. Thus inspired, I recalled the Greek legend of

Hyacinthus, a passionate story of friendship, jealousy, treachery and

remembrance.

An extraordinarily beautiful youth who was much loved by Apollo,

Hyacinthus was murdered by Zephyr, a jealous rival. The myth recalls

that wild hyacinths sprang and flourished from the blood of the slain

boy. These plants always bend toward the ground, as a reminder of

Apollo’s eternal grief.

The hyacinth was introduced in the 16th century to Europe from

Turkey. It quickly became the latest continental plant craze and has

remained a popular garden plant throughout the years. The original

four colors of red, blue, white and yellow were soon joined by two

thousand named cultivars. Hyacinths are a colorful and fragrant

presence in the spring -- they can even be forced to bloom in the

winter if one is in need of cheering.

When purchasing hyacinths be aware that the size of the flower

spike is directly related to the size of the bulb. The largest bulbs

should be reserved for use in containers. Smaller bulbs are fine for

use in the garden. Flowers tend to be smaller in succeeding years,

but will maintain their same color and fragrance. Bulb food is the

answer to regain maximum flower size, as hyacinths are very greedy

feeders.

Hyacinths look best when planted in clumps in the garden, not in a

huge mass of color. They may be planted among low-growing perennials

or bedding annuals. Bulbs of a single color beneath a specimen tree

are spectacular in the spring. Since hyacinths have heavy and

delightful scents, their location may be dependent on your reaction

to the possibly cloying scent. Plant larger bulbs six inches deep,

smaller bulbs four inches.

Hyacinths planted in containers should be potted in a potting

soil, with the tip of the bulb near the surface. Initially, the bulbs

should be kept in the shade and covered with thick mulch. When the

tops show, place the plants in full light.

Hyacinths also force well in water in special hyacinth glasses,

the bottom filled with pebbles and water. They mustn’t be hurried

until well rooted. Keep them in a dark, cool place until roots fill

the bottom of the glass. Once the top growth appears they may be

moved into light and then placed in a sunny window when the leaves

are uniformly green.

Like many bulbs, hyacinths have tiny barbs on their outside

surfaces that can be irritating. Always wash your hands after

handling. Plants growing in wet soil may occasionally wilt and die

from either bacterial soft rot or a fungus rot. The bulbs become soft

and should be discarded. If these bulb rots become widespread after

several years of continuous planting, do not replant with hyacinths

for several seasons.

Apollo’s love for Hyacinthus was based on the boy never achieving

“ripeness.” In other words, he desired the impossible, unchanging

youth. As for me, I am blessed with my unchanging love for Catharine.

See you next time.

* STEVE KAWARATANI is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery,

1540 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist,

Catharine Cooper, and has three cats. He can be reached at (949) 497

2438 or e-mail to [email protected].