Hyacinthus x orientalis Multiflora Rouge

The Hyacinthus or Multiflora Red hyacinth produces several floral spikes instead of the single one usually observed in hybrid hyacinths. They form a cluster of loosely star-shaped flowers, dark pink to almost red in colour, pleasantly fragrant and long-lasting. A special cultivation technique allows multiflora hyacinths to produce multiple daughter bulbs capable of flowering at the same time. These varieties are particularly showcased in a wider pot rather than a taller one, placed as close to the house as possible. In the garden, cultivate them in fertile and fresh, but well-drained soil, even if it's dry in summer. Outdoors, the Multiflora hyacinth blooms earlier or later depending on the region, before Dutch hyacinths, in March-April.

Although the Oriental Hyacinth is no longer widely 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 Hyacinthus orientalis is naturalized in France in Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Alpes-Maritimes, and Lot-et-Garonne. The Multiflora hyacinth, resulting from the cross-breeding between Hyacinthus provincialis and the "Dutch" hyacinth with large spikes, has been known since 1940.

The Multiflora hyacinth initially has, like all other Oriental hyacinths, a large ovate bulb. The trick is to prevent it from flowering to force it to produce multiple daughter bulbs that will feed on the mother bulb to each form a floral spike. This multiple bulb forms a clump of bright green ribbon-like leaves from spring, from which, in March-April, 8 to 12 robust floral stems, 20 cm (8in) in height, emerge, bearing loose spikes with several star-shaped flowers, with a thick, waxy substance that appears iridescent in full sun. They exude a sweet fragrance. The foliage is deciduous in summer and reappears at the end of winter.

Among early bloomers, the Multiflora hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. Reserve a special place for it on the terrace, balcony, in the garden, or even on a windowsill, close to the house to enjoy its fragrance every time you pass by, as it is truly extraordinary when the sun warms the flowers. The Multiflora hyacinth will bring colour to the garden, as well as a very natural touch to flower beds, unlike classic varieties that are sometimes considered a bit stiff and artificial. They can be easily combined with other early bulbs such as Chionodoxas, hybrid crocuses, or early Tulips humilis. Their flowers are edible, raw or cooked, and have a slightly mucilaginous 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".