Hyacinthus orientalis Anna Liza

The 'Anna Liza' Hyacinth is an excellent, very fragrant variety of pink hybrid hyacinth that produces beautiful clusters filled with single florets. Its flowers perfume the garden or terrace from early spring. This variety is well suited for forcing, for winter flowering indoors.

Hyacinthus orientalis 'Anna Liza' is a horticultural creation by Verduyn & Ten Hagen dating back to 1972. Hyacinthus orientalis is almost no longer cultivated, but this species native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions has given rise to countless cultivars planted in gardens for their delightful spring flowering and used in floristry for their suitability for forcing. 

The 'Anna Liza' hyacinth belongs to the hyacinthaceae family, or asparagaceae according to classifications. This plant has a large oval bulb. From spring onwards, it forms a clump of wide, shiny, bright green ribbon-like leaves. Flowering takes place in March-April, earlier or later depending on the climate. It takes the form of a thick, 20 to 30 cm tall floral stem. The inflorescence is a large elongated spike composed of 20 to 40 star-shaped flowers, of a thick and iridescent substance. Their colour is a light purplish pink and each petal is crossed by a darker purplish pink midline. The flowering of this variety is particularly fragrant. The foliage is deciduous in summer; it reappears in late winter. The hyacinth flower is loved by pollinating insects.

Hyacinths are prized for their large fragrant flowers that can be enjoyed from the first warm days. Give them a prominent place in the garden, along a path or near the entrance of the house to enjoy their fragrance with every passing. Hyacinths can easily be combined with other early bulbs such as 'Blue Shades' Anemones blanda, botanical tulips, or botanical crocuses. Their flowers are edible, raw or cooked, and have a slightly sticky texture. Depending on preferences, they can be candied or added to fruit salads. In the past, they were considered a delicacy and could be found under the name "candied Constantinople hyacinths".