Hyacinthus x orientalis Dark Dimension

The Hyacinthus orientalis  'Dark Dimension' is The black hyacinth; this highly hardy variety produces clusters of single, fragrant flowers with an exceptional colour, very close to black. Their satin petals are adorned with a violet hue that brings the necessary touch of life to these dark flowers. While not everyone appreciates black flowers, they are always a delight for those who seek originality. A bulb to be planted in the garden, contrasting with pastel hyacinths, or in a pot, to perfume a room for hours on end.

If the Oriental Hyacinth is no longer widely cultivated, this slender species with small spikes of blue flowers, native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, has given rise to countless cultivars called Dutch Hyacinths, highly appreciated in gardens for their delightful fragrant spring flowering or in floristry for their forcing ability. This botanical species can be found naturalized in France in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Alpes-Maritimes, and Lot-et-Garonne regions.

The Dark Dimension hyacinth, introduced in 2012, is the result of 20 years of research and selection in Holland. It belongs to the Hyacinthaceae or Asparagaceae family. It has a large oval bulb and from spring onwards forms a tuft of bright green ribbon-like leaves, from which emerges, in March-April, a robust floral stem, 20 cm (8in) long, bearing 30 to 40 star-shaped flowers, 2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) long, tightly packed together, with a thick and waxy substance. Each petal, almost black in the center, is adorned with a violet border. The fragrant flowering attracts butterflies. It is accompanied by foliage that will disappear in summer and reappear at the end of winter. It consists of bright green leaves, 15 to 35 cm (6 to 14in) long, ovate in shape (flat, narrow, long, upright, and pointed). The hyacinth reaches 25-30 cm (10-12in) in height at maturity.

Among early bloomers, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. The Dark Dimension Hyacinth, well adapted to our cold winters, can be grown in borders as well as in pots or vases. In the ground, it will renew itself for several years. In a pot, it will only last one season. Reserve a special place for it in the garden, not far from the entrance of the house, to enjoy its fragrance with every passage. It will bring spectacular splashes of color to your flowerbeds. Hyacinths can easily be combined with other early bulbs such as Chionodoxas, Ipheions, Zephyranthes, hybrid crocuses, or early Tulips. 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 and could be found under the name of "candied Constantinople hyacinths".