Hyacinthus x orientalis Rembrandt

The Hyacinth or Rembrandt orientalis Hyacinthus is a recent and unusual variety of hybrid hyacinth with its bicoloured star-shaped flowers. Its large clusters, highly fragrant, are composed of dozens of dark blue-violet florets, finely bordered with a very pale blue becoming white. This variety blooms from late March to early April in the garden and will flourish in the heart of winter indoors. They last a long time and bloom from the first year of cultivation.

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

The Rembrandt hyacinth, like it, belongs to the family of hyacinthaceae or asparagaceae. It has a large oval bulb and forms a clump of bright green ribbon-like leaves from spring onwards, from which a robust floral stem, 20 cm (8in) long, emerges in March-April, bearing 30 to 40 star-shaped flowers, 2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) long, tightly packed together, with a thick waxy substance, deep blue-violet with a very pale blue edge, and a sweet fragrance. The flowering is nectar-rich, attracting butterflies. It is accompanied by deciduous foliage, disappearing in summer and reappearing in late winter. It consists of bright green leaves, 15 to 35 cm (6 to 14in) long. The hyacinth reaches a height of 25-30 cm (10-12in) at maturity.

Among early bloomers, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers. The Rembrandt hyacinth can be grown both in border beds and in pots or vases. In the ground, it will renew itself for several years. In a pot, it will only last for one season. Reserve a prime spot in the garden, not far from the entrance of the house, to enjoy its fragrance every time you pass by. It will bring spectacular splashes of color to your flower beds. Hyacinths can easily be paired with other early bulbs such as Chionodoxas, hybrid crocuses, or early-flowering Tulips humilis. 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".