Hyacinthus x orientalis Blue pearl

The Hyacinth or Hyacinthus orientalis Blue Pearl, a worthy daughter of the pretty variety 'Pink Pearl', has the same qualities that are expressed in the garden, in flowerbeds, but also indoors, for flowering in January. Its clusters of flowers are loaded with small waxen stars in a dark blue-violet colour, each petal being bordered by a lighter shade. This variety is also highly fragrant. Reserve a special place in the garden for hyacinths as they are one of the few bulbs with large flowers that bloom early.

While Hyacinthus orientalis is almost no longer 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. This botanical species is naturalized in France in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Alpes-Maritimes, and Lot-et-Garonne.

'Blue Pearl' hyacinth, like its parent, belongs to the family of hyacinthaceae or asparagaceae. It has a large oval bulb and forms a clump of wide, shiny green ribbon-like leaves from spring, from which a robust flowering stem emerges in March-April, measuring 20-25 cm (8-10in) in length, bearing 20 to 40 star-shaped flowers with thick, translucent substance, in various shades of dark blue-violet and with a sweet fragrance. The foliage is deciduous in summer and reappears in late winter. The hyacinth fruits contain seeds that can be sown; the resulting plants will take 6 years to bloom.

Among early bloomers, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. The Blue Pearl hyacinth heralds spring. It can be found in flowerbeds, herbaceous borders, as well as scattered in short grass meadows. It is more impressive when planted in groups. It will perfume the living room in bouquets and pots. Reserve a special place for it in the garden, not far from the entrance of the house, to enjoy its fragrance with every passing. It will bring spectacular splashes of colour to your flowerbeds. Hyacinths can be easily paired with other early bulbs such as Anemone blanda, Chionodoxas, Anemone blanda, Botanical Crocus, or early Tulips. 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 known as "confit of Constantinople hyacinths".